Khade, RSaawarn, SMishra, SDEinstein, ARathore, AShankar, T.2023-07-142023-07-142023-06Khade R, Saawarn S, Mishra SD, Einstein A, Rathore A, Shankar T.. Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of Black Tea Extract Mouthrinse and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Load. People's Journal of Scientific Research. 2023 Jun; 16(1): 14-192583-32510974-6358http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/218909Background- Dental caries is one of the most frequent oral health problems. The present study shows the antibacterial effect of black tea extract on salivary Sterptococcus Mutans load. Materials & Methods- The study was conducted on 125 individuals. The differences in the Colony Forming Units and count-scores of S.mutans were analyzed in salivary samples collected from individuals before and after administration of 2% black tea extract mouth-rinse and chlorhexidine mouthwash(CM). Results- There was a statistical difference in mean salivary S. mutans colony count and mean count- score before and after administration of black tea extract mouth-rinse (p = 0.0003) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (p = 0.0002) respectively. Hence, it was found that there is no statistically significant difference in the fall of S.mutans load due to black tea mouth-rinse and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Conclusions- A 2% black tea extract mouth-rinse significantly reduces salivary S.mutans load, irrespective of age and gender. Also, it is an effective natural anti-cariogenic agent with no known implicated side effects.dental cariesoral healthstreptococcus mutansblack tea extract mouth-rinsechlorhexidine mouthwash.Journal ArticleIndiaDepartment of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bhabha College of Dental Sciences, BhopalDepartment of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, NIMS Dental College and Hospital, NIMS University RajasthanDepartment of Oral Pathology, Thai Moogambigai Dental College and Hospital, Chennai.