Objectives:

to evaluate the effect of brushing with Salvadora persica (Miswak) on streptococcus mutants compared to brushing with fluoridated tooth paste (FTP) in children.

Methods:

A total of 94 healthy children (8 years old) from an elementary governmental school in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia were grouped to Miswak and FTP groups. They were assessed for their salivary level of mutans streptococci species, and lactobacillus at the baseline and three weeks after brushing. Caries level using DMFT/dmft, and plaque amount using Greene Vermillion simplified oral hygiene index were recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy children
• age from 8 to 9
• parents signed the consent form they attended morning session for brushing

Exclusion Criteria:

• medical compromised children
• parents did not sign the consent form Did not attend morning session