title: Efficacy of garlic extract and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reduction of oral salivary microorganisms, an in vitro study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess and compare the antimicrobial effect of garlic extract and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash solution against oral salivary microorganisms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty six salivary samples were obtained in dry plastic vials. Collected saliva samples were centrifuged. Each vial was mixed completely on a shaker after which 1 ml of saliva was added to 9 ml of ethanol by a sterile pipette and mixed. A volume of 1 ml of garlic hydro-alcoholic extract and 1 ml of mouthwash was added to 1 ml each case specimen and was transferred to culture medium of Trypticase Soy Agar. Agar plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h to allow for microbial growth. Microbial colonies were counted by independent interpreter to evaluate the result.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data obtained were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test. P < 0.001 was considered statistically significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Result of the study shows that mean colony count of salivary microbial population was (1984 ± 400) 1127 in saline group (negative control), (50 ± 4) 27 in (0.12%) CHX group (positive control), (700 ± 200) 469 in garlic extract (5%) group (case control).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mouthwash containing garlic extract can be used as an alternative to CHX mouthwash.
authors: Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: H T
authors: HT
authors: Ajay Rao
authors: Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Sham S
authors: SS
authors: Bhat
authors: Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Sundeep
authors: S
authors: Hegde
authors: Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Deralakatte, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Vikram
authors: V
authors: Jhamb
keywords: Chlorhexidine mouthwash; garlic extract; oral microorganisms