Objective: to evaluate the effect of mouthwash containing Olive oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque induced gingivitis among a group of children with mixed dentition.
Subjects and Methods: This study was carried out on 75 children with age ranged from 6 to 13 years. They were divided into three equal major groups: Group (a): include 25 children that were used Extra Virgin Olive Oil 0.9% mouth wash. Group (b): include 25 children that were used Extra Virgin Olive Oil 0.5% mouth wash. Group (c): include 25 children that were used chlorhexidine 0.12% as a control group mouth wash. The Plaque Index and Modified Gingival Index scores were measured at baseline, after 1 week, 3 weeks and after 3 months.
Results: Olive Oil 0.9% group showed a less mean plaque index and modified gingival index than Olive Oil 0.5% group than Chlorhexidine group. Olive Oil 0.9% group showed maximum reduction (30%) in MGI score during the 3 weeks and 3 months of follow up as compared to the CHX mouth wash (16.1%).
Conclusion: Olive Oil mouth rinses can be used as an alternative for short term maintenance therapy that can reduce plaque and gingivitis.