Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine and Apple Cider Vinegar as Root Canal Irrigants Against Enterococcus Faecalis in Primary Teeth : A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study evaluates antimicrobial efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine and apple cider vinegar as root canal irrigants in pediatric root canal treatment. After informed consent and verbal assent, eligible children will be allocated into two groups by block randomization.

Group 1: 2% Chlorhexidine group

Group 2 : Apple cider vinegar group.

After Local anesthesia administration, tooth will be isolated using rubber dam. Following access opening and pulp extripation, microbial samples (S1) will be taken using sterile paper points and transferred to Brain Heart Infusion broth.Each canal will be irrigated with either 10 mL of 2% Chlorhexidine or Apple Cider Vinegar, followed by a second microbial sample (S2). A final rinse with 3% Sodium Hypochlorite and saline will be performed, and the canals will be dried and obturated. Stainless steel crowns will be placed for final restoration.

Microbiological analysis of E. faecalis will be conducted by culturing samples on Mitis Salivarius Agar. Colony Forming Units (CFU/ml) will be counted using a Digital Colony Counter, and bacterial identification will be confirmed through Gram staining, catalase testing, and colony morphology. Statistical analysis will determine the efficacy of both irrigants in bacterial reduction.