Cinnamon and Ginger in Comparison to Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.2% on Oral Streptococcus Mutans

Chlorhexidine is the most potent chemotherapeutic agent against mutans streptococci and dental caries, however, the incidence of side effects such as teeth discoloration, staining of restorations, undesirable taste, discoloration of tongue, dryness and burning sensation in the mouth discourage patients to use this mouth wash. Natural products are now preferred by a large proportion of the population and have been reported to possess antimicrobial activity.These products have recently been shown to be a good alternative to synthetic chemical substances for caries prevention like Cinnamon and Ginger. The aim of this study is to compare the antimicrobial effects of aqueous extracts of cinnamon 20% and ginger 20% in comparison to chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% on oral streptococcus mutans