Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the reduction in salivary mutans streptococci counts and to evaluate any change in the salivary pH values after the use of oral probiotics, chlorhexidine, and herbal mouthrinse.
Method: Oral probiotics, chlorhexidine, and herbal mouthrinse [Hiora®] were evaluated for their efficacy against S. mutans in 75 caries-active children, aged 6–14 years.
Results: The values obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Oral probiotics showed lesser reduction in the S. mutans count as compared to chlorhexidine but the values were statistically insignificant. Herbal mouthrinse was not as effective as the oral probiotics or chlorhexidine in reducing the S. mutans count.
Conclusion: Oral probiotics show a similar efficacy as the gold standard, chlorhexidine, in reduction of oral S. mutans.
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