COMPARING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHLORHEXIDINE AND HERBAL EXTRACTS MOUTHWASHES IN REDUCING BACTERIA IN DENTAL AEROSOLS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Dental aerosols generated during various dental procedures can pose a risk of bacterial transmission, potentially contributing to healthcare-associated infections. This randomized clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and herbal extracts mouthwashes in reducing bacteria in dental aerosols. A total of 120 participants undergoing dental procedures were randomly assigned to three groups: chlorhexidine mouthwash, herbal extracts mouthwash, and control (water) group. Dental aerosols were collected using a standardized method, and bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) were quantified. The results revealed a significant reduction in bacterial CFUs in both the chlorhexidine and herbal extracts groups compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was observed between the chlorhexidine and herbal extracts groups. These findings suggest that both chlorhexidine and herbal extracts mouthwashes can effectively reduce bacteria in dental aerosols, offering potential benefits in infection control during dental procedures.

Keywords:

Dental aerosols, chlorhexidine, herbal extracts

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