Antibacterial efficacy of Neem and Cinnamon mouth rinse on salivary mutans streptococci and its effect on plaque and gingival health among 15-17 year old students in Madurai city: A Double blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Oral deposits such as plaque and calculus have a huge impact on oral health related quality of life. In India oral diseases prevalence is very high, among which dental caries and gingival diseases are nonlife threatening and ubiquitous pathologies. mutans streptococci being the pioneer culprit in the initiation of oral diseases, any intervention that inhibit their growth and survival will have positive impact on oral health. Antibacterial agents of natural and synthetic origin have been tried and tested against these microorganisms. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the Antibacterial efficacy of 5% Neem, 10% Cinnamon and 0.2% Chlorhexidine on salivary mutans streptococci and its effect on plaque and gingival health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a randomized, parallel arm, controlled trial designed to compare the effect of 5% Neem 10% Cinnamon mouthrinse with 0.2% Chlorhexidine on the salivary mutans streptococci and its effect on plaque and gingival health. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction on salivary mutans streptococci colonies and gingivitis scores in the saliva after using 5% neem and 10% cinnamon mouthrinse (p < 0.05). Significant difference was observed between the mutans streptococci Count (CFU/ml) before and after rinsing with 5% neem 10% cinnamon, 0.2% Chlorhexidine. CONCLUSION: 5% neem and 10% cinnamon was considerably efficacious in reducing the mutans streptococci count, plaque and gingivitis significantly, although not superior to the gold standard 0.2% Chlorhexidine. DENTAL PUBLIC HEALTH SIGNIFICANCE: Although the antibacterial efficacy of 5% neem and 10% cinnamon is not as effective as the gold standard Chlorhexidine, it showed considerable reduction on salivary mutans streptococci and improved plaque and gingival scores. 5% neem and 10% cinnamon mouthrinse is devoid of adverse effects like staining and taste alteration, it can be considered as a promising cost-effective alternate as a anti cariogenic and antigingivitis mouthrinse for long term use