Objective: To compare efficacy of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth rinse, conventionally prepared magnetized water and 0.2% magnetized chlorhexidine on reduction of S. mutans colony count.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed on a group of 30 children of age 11-12 years. The study was conducted over a period of 1 week. Sample was equally distributed amongst the 3 groups (n=10) depending upon type of mouth rinse usage viz; Group I: 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash, Group II: 72 hours magnetized RO water and Group III: 72 hours magnetized 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Each group was asked to use 10 mL of the mouth rinse for 3 minutes once in a day for a period of 7 days. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, 3rd day and 7th day. Microbiological analysis of saliva samples was done for streptococcus mutant count on the inoculated cultural plates. One-way ANOVA test was applied to know the difference between the groups, further Tukey’s test was performed for multiple comparison.
Results: There was a significant reduction in S. mutans count in plaque after 7 days from baseline in all the three groups. Mean colony forming units at day 7 was 181.60, 185.80, 149.80 for 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash, magnetized water and magnetized 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash group respectively. The difference seen is statistically significant with magnetized 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash showing increased reduction in bacterial colony count.
Conclusion: Magnetically activated 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth wash is more potent in reducing the colony count in comparison to 0.2% chlorhexidine and magnetized water. Magnetized water can also be used as an environmental friendly mouth wash alternative to 0.2% chlorhexidine because of its comparable antibacterial efficacy.