Comparitive evaluation of the effect of various mouthwashes in reducing the colony count of Streptococcus Mutans during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment : An IN- VIVO Study

Oral hygiene is of prime importance in Orthodontic practice. A better understanding of microbiology and infectious diseases is of prime importance for safe clinical practice. Streptococcus mutans are the principle causative organism for Dental caries[1] . Fixed Orthodontic appliances causes areas for bacterial colonization which increases the quantity of Streptococcus mutans and other caries-causing microorganisms[2][3] Brushing is a commonly used method for maintaining Oral hygiene and thereby aids in the reduction of pathogenic organisms. Over the years, various other measures have also been practiced to reduce this bacterial colonization which include fluoridated Dentrifices, mouthwashes, frequent scaling, etc. Among these use of mouthwash is one of the most commonly used. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Curcumin, Pulling oil & Fluoride based mouthwashes in reducing the colony count of Streptococcus mutans.