Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effect and smear layer removal ability of 12.5% turmeric extract solution, 2% chlorhexidine when used as root canal irrigants.
Materials and Methods: For antibacterial effect, seventy extracted primary anterior teeth were divided into five groups; Group (I): n= 20 roots that were irrigated with 2% chlorhexidine solution, Group (II):  n=20 roots that were irrigated with sterile saline, Group (III): n=20 roots that were irrigated with 12.5% turmeric solution, Group (IV): positive control group (n=5 roots), Group (V): negative control group (n=5 roots). Sterile paper points were used to absorb irrigating fluid and transferred to a test tube to measure the bacterial count. For smear layer removal ability, 15 roots were divided into three groups (5 roots each). After instrumentation, the roots were irrigated with (12.5% turmeric extract, 2% CHX and sterile saline). The smear layer removal ability was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope.
Results: CHX group has a higher bacterial efficacy against E. faecalis than saline and turmeric irrigation solutions. The saline group had the highest (mean ±SD) total remaining smear layer followed by the turmeric group while the CHX group had the lowest (mean±SD).
Conclusion: Both 12.5% turmeric and 2% CHX irrigation solution have an antibacterial effects against E. faecalis and ability to smear layer removal. In infected canals, 2%CHX is the preferred irrigation choice, it has more effective antibacterial activity than 12.5% turmeric solution. Turmeric extract can be used as a safe natural alternative to CHX.