An In vivo Comparison of The Bacteriostatic Efficacy of Two CommerciallyAvailable Mouthwashes Viz. Triclosan And Fluoride Based MouthwashesUsing A Simple Chair Side Caries Activity Test - Oratest In Children

Aim: To compare the bacteriostatic efficacy of two commercially available mouthwashes viz. triclosan and fluoride based mouthwashes using a simple chair side caries activity test - Oratest in children. Materials and methods: Sixty children of the age groups 6-12 years were selected for the study ( 30 children – caries free, 30 children - DMFT score ≥ 3) and were equally divided into two groups that is Group I (Kidodent group ) and Group II (Amflor group). These groups were further subdivided into Group I A (15) caries free children and Group I B (15) children with DMFT score ≥ 3 Group II A (15) caries free children and Group II B (15) children with DMFT score ≥ 3. After obtaining a written consent from the parent of guardian the salivary samples were collected pre and post mouth rinsing with Amflor or Kidodent and evaluated using Oratest for caries activity. Results: The data obtained was tabulated and compared using students paired t test. In the Kidodent group, the time taken for the oratest in both the subgroups I A and I B was found to be significant pre and post rinse. (p<0.001). Similar results were also found in the Amflor group for both subgroups II A and II B, following pre and post rinse. (p<0.001). On comparing the efficacy of Kidodent and Amflor pre and post rinse there was no statistical significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Although we found no significant difference between both the mouth rinses, with regard to their efficacy in reducing S. mutans, the use of a low fluoride–xylitol based mouth rinse can be recommended for regular use in children.