Effect of Chlorhexidine and Essential Oil Mouthrinses on Mutans Streptococci

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and essential oil mouthrinses in reducing salivary mutans streptococci in person with high bacterial level (≥105 CFU/ml). Methods: Thirty subjects with high level of mutans streptococci, age 15-30 years, were randomly assigned to 3 groups according to mouthrinses: chlorhexidine, essential oil and placebo mouthrinses. Salivary samples were collected to assess mutans streptococci level by using Dentocult SM® at baseline and after rinsing for 2 weeks. Subjects with low bacterial level after rinsing were reassessed bacterial level at a 2 week-period of post-rinsing. Results: Both antiseptic mouthrinses were significantly reduced mean scores of salivary mutans streptococci compared to baseline (p<0.05). The mean scores at baseline and after a 2-week period of rinsing in chlorhexidine were 2.30 and 0.20 and essential oil were 2.30 and 1.20. After a 2-week period of rinsing, the percentage of reduction of subjects with high bacterial level in chlorhexidine, essential oil and placebo mouthrinses were 100%, 60% and 0% respectively. Both antiseptic mouthrinses effectively reduced numbers of subjects with high bacterial level compared to placebo (p<0.05). After a 2-week period of post-rinsing, the percentage of subjects changed from low to high level in chlorhexidine and essential oil mouthrinses were 30% and 33.3% respectively. There was no statistical difference between groups. Conclusion: The present study suggests that chlorhexidine and essential oil mouthrinses were effective in reducing salivary mutans streptococci in person with high bacterial level. Chlorhexidine was more effective than essential oil mouthrinse.