Efficacy of Licorice on Reducing Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Versus Chlorohexidine in Caries Risk Patients

Evaluation the Efficacy of a Herbal Licorice on Reducing Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Levels (A Randomized Clinical Trial)

To compare the effect of a natural herbal licorice containing preventive measure alternative to chlorohexidine preventive measure to decrease the effect of streptococcus mutans.

A total number of fifty-two patients will be enrolled in the study. They will be divided into two groups: study group and control group. Study group will be subjected to licorice mouthwash and the control will be subjected to chlorohexidine mouth wash. Salivary bacterial count will be evaluated for both groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• over 18 years old
• co-operative patients
• not allergic to licorice
• not allergic to chlorohexidine

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy
• allergic patients to licorice
• allergic patients to chlorohexidine
• lack of compliance
• evidence of parafunctional habits
• patients with periodontal disease
• xerostomia
• participants that receive any microbial agent two weeks prior to the study