EFFECT OF MISWAK COCONUT OIL AND MOUTHWASH ON PLAQUE PROUCING BACTERIA

Abstract

Among worldwide diseases, one is tooth disease, which is caused by certain bacteria present in the oral cavity. Plaque producing bacteria in the mouth creates a sticky film called dental plaque which is mostly common caused by Streptococcus Mutant, Streptococcus Salivarius, Streptococcus mitis and Lactobacillus bacteria resulting in tooth decay. The main aim of the study was to determine the effect of coconut oil, miswak, mouthwash on plaque producing bacteria and to compare the effectiveness of these agents in reducing bacterial growth. A randomization was conducted involving three participants. Participants A, B, and C were assigned to coconut oil pulling, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and miswak treatment groups, respectively. Participant A performed oil pulling using 10 mL of coconut oil for 10 minutes daily. Participants B and C rinsed their mouths each morning before brushing, using 5 mL of chlorhexidine mouthwash for one minute and miswak for one minute, respectively. Saliva samples were collected from all subjects on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 15 and were cultured to assess bacterial colony counts. The data were analyzed statically using SPSS software. Cultural, microscopy, and biochemical methods were used to isolate and confirm Streptococcus mutans. CFU/mL was used to measure the bacterial load, and high baseline counts were noted. Miswak exhibited a moderate decrease in bacterial growth, but coconut oil showed the greatest and longest-lasting reduction. Limited antibacterial efficacy was shown by the lack of a significant long-term decrease caused by chemical mouthwash.