Assessment and evaluation of effect of neem and mango mouthrinses on S. mutans count in vitro and in children

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Mouthrinses play an important role as an adjuncts in the prevention of dental caries. In recent times, there has been an increase in the use of naturally occurring products. Aims To determine the effect of extracts prepared using neem and mango twigs on Streptococcus mutans count in vitro and to assess the effect of mouthrinse prepared using the extracts on the salivary S. mutans count in children. Materials and Methods The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for neem and mango extracts on S. mutans were evaluated. The effective MICs were used to prepare the respective neem and mango mouthrinses which was given to 90 children, 8 – 13\u2009years of age for a period of 21 days. The effectiveness of the prepared mouth rinses were compared to chlorhexidine in a three arm double blind randomised controlled trial. The salivary S. mutans count was assessed at baseline, 7th day and 21st day. Results The MIC achieved was at 25% concentrations with both the extracts. There was a statistically significant reduction in salivary S. mutans count in all the three study groups after 21 days. (P\u2009 Conclusions Neem and Mango mouthrinses could be used as an effective alternative to chlorhexidine in children.