ABSTRACT
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Coconut oil on Streptococcus mutans count in saliva in a group of Egyptian children and Compare its effect with chlorhexidine mouth wash. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 Egyptian children were included in this study their ages ranging from (5-10) years. The children (60) were divided into two groups; each group consists of 30 children (Group A, Group B). Group A (study group) : Coconut oil consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of Coconut oil 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse) Group B (Control group): chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%) consisted of thirty child, each participant was instructed to rinse with 10 ml of chlorhexidine mouthwash, 3 times per day for two weeks with average (1minute /rinse). Results: Statistically significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans count was seen in both oil pulling and chlorhexidine groups but the reduction was found to be more in the oil pulling group than in thechlorhexidine group. Conclusion: Use of coconut oil pulling therapy may be used as preventive therapy at home to maintain oral hygiene as it is natural, safe and has no side effects