Effect of Herbal Water, Ozonated Water, Water, and Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of herbal water, ozonated water, and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on salivary Streptococcus mutans level and to assess their effectiveness of these mouthrinses on the oral health status of children. Materials and methods: A parallel multiarm randomized controlled trial was conducted in 100 children aged 10–12 years. Debris index-simplified (DI-S), calculus index-simplified (CI-S), oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S) scores, and Streptococcus mutans counts were recorded at baseline (T1). They were randomly divided into four equal groups (n = 25): HW, herbal water; OW, ozonated water; W, water; and CHX, chlorhexidine. Intervention period was 15 days and data collection was repeated after 15 days (T2) and 30 days (T3). Saliva samples were used to evaluate S. mutans count. Results were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: OW had minimum DI-S score at T2 and T3 periods. HW had the minimum CI-S score at T2 and T3 periods. CHX had the minimum S. mutans count at T2 and T3 periods. OW showed maximum reduction in OHI-S score at T2 period. HW showed maximum reduction in OHI-S score at T3 period. Conclusion: Herbal water and ozone water can be used as an alternative to chlorhexidine in maintaining the oral health status. Clinical significance: Herbal water and ozonated water can be used in children instead of chemical mouthrinses to avoid any adverse effects.