Effect of Green Tea extract mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans count in high caries risk dental students: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Context: Dental caries has become one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, with streptococcus mutans count as one of the main causatives. Mouthwashes has been one of the most important methods for bacterial count control. There are many mouthwashes that has been available over the counter but unfortunately, they have many side effects and drawbacks, so this necessitates the search for natural mouthwashes that overcome these side effects with similar antibacterial properties.Aim: The study's objective was to compare how using mouthwashes of green tea extract versus using chlorhexidine affected the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Study design:A brief, double blinded, randomized control clinical trial. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on a sum of 36 dental students of age range 17 to 23 years that has been split up into two groups; green tea group and chlorhexidine group.Baseline unstimulated saliva samples were collected, and students received instructions to use 5ml of the designated mouthwash to rinse for 7 days two times daily. And finally come back for a salivary sample after the 7 days period and all saliva samples were sent for microbiological analysis.Results: independent and paired t-tests demonstrated that green tea and chlorhexidine both decreased Streptococcus mutans count significantly, with no significant difference between both mouthwashes after a week. Conclusion:Results of this study showed that green tea extract mouthwash has similar antibacterial activity as chlorhexidine mouthwash which is considered the gold standard, so green tea mouthwash may be used as a substitute for the chemical mouthwashes.