Impact of Magnetized Water on Salivary <scp>pH</scp> , Salivary Flow Rate and the Streptococcal Mutant Colony Count in Healthy Individuals: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Saliva, a complex fluid with various chemical and physical properties, significantly influences oral health. Its secretion plays a vital role in maintaining oral cavity health, and Streptococcus mutans is more prevalent in areas surrounding caries and exhibits a close relationship with the disease. Magnets are believed to be robust safeguards against illness and serve as highly beneficial preventive tools. Hence, we intended to evaluate the effects of magnetized water oral rinse on salivary pH, salivary flow rate and the Streptococcal mutant colony count in healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled study, fifty participants were divided into either a magnetized water group (MWG; n = 25) or a normal water group (NWG; n = 25). The MWG underwent oral rinsing using magnetized water, whereas the NWG underwent oral rinsing using normal water for 2 min a day, daily for 2 weeks. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed with the appropriate statistical test using SPSS, version 16. RESULT: Within-Groups analysis showed a significant reduction in salivary pH [MWG (p = 0.001); NWG (p = 0.003)], and Streptococcal mutants colony count (p < 0.001 in both the groups) in both groups, with a significant increase in salivary flow rate only in the MWG (p = 0.002), unlike NWG (p = 0.081). However, between-group analysis showed a significant reduction in the Streptococcal mutant colony count in the MWG compared to the NWG (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Oral rinsing using magnetized water is effective in reducing Streptococcal mutant colony count and increasing salivary flow rate compared to oral rinsing using normal water. However, further studies with a larger sample size are recommended to warrant the results of the study.