Silver Nanoparticle vs Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes for Reducing Streptococcus Mutans and Improving Salivary pH in Children

Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases in children, with Streptococcus mutans playing a major role in its development. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is an effective antimicrobial agent but its use in pediatric patients is limited by adverse effects such as tooth staining, taste alteration, and mucosal irritation. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) mouthwash has emerged as a potential alternative with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and a potentially improved safety profile. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will compare the efficacy of 10 ppm silver nanoparticle mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in children aged 6-12 years at high caries risk.