A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF CLINICAL EFFICACY BETWEEN A PROBIOTIC AND A CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTH RINSE.

Background: With the increasing antibiotic resistance of bacteria, new methods such as whole bacteria replacement therapy for decreasing oral cavity pathogens are needed. Aim: To clinically compare the efficacy of a Probiotic mouth rinse to a Chlorhexidine mouth rinse on the level of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Methods: Sixty children, between 6 and 8 years of age, with a similar baseline scoring of Plaque index and Sulcus bleeding index were given a thorough oral prophylaxis and oral hygiene instructions. They were then divided into to two groups: Group 1: Probiotic mouth rinse group and Group 2: Chlorhexidine mouth rinse group. On the 14th day all the participants were recalled for re-examination of the level of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Results: Probiotic mouth rinse group had a statistically lower plaque and gingival bleeding index on the 14th day as compared to the baseline. Conclusion: Probiotic mouth rinses can also be considered as one of the effective regimens in maintaining oral hygiene.