Nashwa A. Abd-Elhassieb, Nagwa M. Khattaband Wael H. Ahmed,

ABSTRACT
Background: Natural Phytochemicals Can Be An Effective Alternative To Antibiotics, Chemotherapeutic Agents And Represent A Promising Approach In The Prevention Of Dental Caries And Other Oral Infection. Aim Of The Study: Was To Compare The Antibacterial Effect Of Garlic Extract Mouthwash With Chlorhexidine Mouthwash On Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Counts And To Evaluate The Rate Of Plaque Formation. Subjects And Methods: The Study Consisted Of Two Parts. In Part 1(in Vitro Study), It Was Carried Out To Estimate The Zone Of Inhibition Of Various Concentration Of Garlic Extract Against S. Mutans. This Minimal Inhibitory Concentration Was Further Used To Prepare The Garlic Extract Mouthwash That Was Used In Part 2. This Part Included 45 Children Who Were Divided In To 3 Groups, Garlic Extract Mouthwash (study Group), Chlorhexidine Mouthwash 0.125% (positive Control) And Sodium Chloride 0.9% ( Negative Control) Respectively. All Subjects Were Advised To Use 10 Ml Of The Assigned Mouthwash Once Daily For 7 Days. On 8th Day, Salivary S.mutans Counts And Plaque Formation Rate Were Assessed And The Data Were Analyzed By Statistical Tests.

Results: Was Revealed That The Minimal Inhibitory Concentration Of Garlic Extract Was 20% That Produced A Zone Of Inhibition Of 30 Mm In Diameter. A Marked Reduction Of S.mutans Count In Group 1 Compared To Group 2 And 3 Where Percentage Reduction Were 96.4%, 87.2% And 63.6% Respectively (p Value < 0.05). Regarding The Results Of Plaque Formation Rate, There Was A Marked Reduction In Group 1 Compared To Group 2 And 3 After Using The Mouthwash.

Conclusions: Garlic Extract Exhibited A Higher Antibacterial Effect Against S.mutans Compared To Chlorhexidine And Saline. Also, Showed Lower Plaque Formation Rate Than Two Other Groups.