Comparative evaluation of chlorhexidine mouthrinse and cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse as antiplaque agents in children

Purpose of study: The aim of this study is to compare the antiplaque efficiency of chlorhexidine mouthrinse and cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse in children. Materials and methods: This study conducted on 50 children of both sexes aged 6- 10 years.The group of 25 children were given 10 ml of 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouth rinse,and another 25 children were given 10 ml of 0.1% Cacao Bean Extract mouth rinse,to rinse the mouth twice daily for 30 seconds. The plaque samples were collected in Dentocult SM vials on pre rinse and after seven days, 1 month and 2 months. In the same intervals plaque index were recorded. The readings were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Results of the study showed that there was significant reduction in streptococcus mutans count in plaque in all follow up intervals for both mouthrinse group and also reduction in plaque index readings for both the mouthrinse groups. But there was no significant difference in reduction of streptococcus mutans count in plaque, and also plaque index between chlorhexidine mouthrinse group and cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse group. Conclusion: It was concluded that cacao bean husk extract mouthrinse can be used in children alternative to chlorhexidine mouthrinse as it has same antiplaque property and avoids the side effects of latter.