To Evaluate the Efficacy of Oil Pulling on Caries Activity of Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo Study.

AIM: To evaluate efficacy of oil pulling on caries activity of Streptococcus mutans.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A randomized controlled experiment was designed, with 60 children chosen at random. Following that, the participants were divided into three groups-group A: oil pulling using cold pressed coconut oil (Perfora*); group B: commercially available fluoridated mouthwash (Kidodent*); group C: distilled water as control. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, immediately, and 2 weeks postoperatively. To assess the effectiveness of coconut oil, fluoride mouthwash, and distilled water, microbiological examination was carried out and colonies were counted.

RESULTS

Both group A (oil pulling with coconut oil) and group B (commercially available Kidodent mouthwash) experienced a statistically significant decrease in colony count.

CONCLUSION

Oil pulling is found to be as effective as commercially available fluoride mouthwash and can be used in conjunction with other aids for maintaining oral hygiene in children.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Oil pulling is a natural, economical, and organic alternative to medicated mouthwashes; hence, it can be used as an aid for maintaining oral hygiene.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gosavi HS, Tandon S, Rai TS, et al. To Evaluate the Efficacy of Oil Pulling on Caries Activity of Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):580-584.