The Influence of 0.2 % Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Oral Bacterial Load: An in Vivo Comparative Study in Tobacco and Non-Tobacco Users

Abstract Introduction: Saliva plays a vital role in oral health and overall well-being of an individual. It lubricates and moistens the mouth for comfortable speech and eating, helps regulate body water balance, and prevents tooth decay and infection by removing debris and bacteria. The oral microbiome in the saliva and oral cavity dictates a lot of in diagnosis of oral and systemic diseases. One of the most concerning disease is dental caries which can be caused by abnormal shift in microflora due to various systemic conditions or due to habits of the patient. Cigarette smoking and nicotine exposure affects the buffering capacity of saliva, promotes the cariogenic bacteria and reduces the commensals thereby creating an imbalance in oral microbial flora. Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of 0.2 % chlorhexidine mouthwash on Oral Bacterial Load in tobacco and non-tobacco users. Materials and methods: Among patients reported to OPD of Department of conservative dentistry and Endodontics, detailed case history and informed consent was taken and 24 patients were selected for the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected via the drooling method on day 0. Participants received a labelled mouthwash bottles and were abstained from using other mouthwashes during the study period. Participants rinsed with 10 ml of mouthwash twice daily for 30 s without water. On day 4 participants returned with mouthwash bottles and saliva was collected. Microbiological assessment and statistical analysis was done. Results: Both the groups – tobacco and non tobacco users showed a significant decrease in the CFU unit of total bacterial count. However, Group 2 comprising of the non tobacco users showed greater reduction in bacterial count post mouthrinse. Conclusion: Mouthrinse using 0.2% chlorhexidine significantly reduced the colony forming unit of the total bacterial count