Abstract

THE EFFECT OF COCONUT OIL PULLING VS CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTHWASH ON STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS COUNT IN SALIVA - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Dr. K. Vennila, Dr. K. Rudhra*, Dr. Gayathri, Dr. Elanchezhiyan

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Abstract

Introduction: To reduce the side effects of modern medicine, natural medicine is gaining importance. Coconut oil pulling is one such ancient practice that has a renewed interest in oral hygiene practice due to its use as an adjunct in maintenance of oral health. This study found the efficacy of natural remedies in periodontal disease management. Methodology: This randomized control study was conducted in department of periodontics at Vivekanandha dental college for women with sample size of n=60(18-23 years). The study population was divided into 3 groups each with 20 patients. GROUP A received mouth rinsing with virgin coconut oil 5ml for 5 mins. GROUP B receive mouth rinsing with chlorhexidine for 5 mins. GROUP C- Rinsing mouth with distilled water for 5 mins. Unstimulated saliva is analysed for microbiological assay at baseline and 14 days. Results: On microbiological comparison, group A patients had p value 0.0027; group B had p value of 0.0013; group C had p value of 0.0286 with statistically significant results from baseline suggesting that coconut oil pulling is effective in periodontal microbiology control comparative to chlorhexidine. There is also improved clinical parameters from baseline with p value (

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