Comparing Mouth Rinses in Regard to Streptococcus Mutans Reduction

The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial, unblinded. Once consent and assent have
been obtained, the participant will be randomly assigned to one of the four mouth rinses
being studied. A pre rinse stimulated salivary sample will be taken in which about 3cm of a
sterile tongue depressor is introduced into the mouth and turned around 10 times to
contaminate it with saliva. Each side of the spatula was then pressed against a petri dish
containing Mitis-salivarius agar. The patient will then rinse 10 ml of the assigned rinse
for a timed 30 seconds, expectorate, and then a post stimulated salivary sample will be
taken similarly to the pre rinse sample. The samples will be transported to a lab for
incubation and quantitative analysis of Streptococcus Mutans.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients presenting to the dental clinic for routine dental treatment (including
recall exams, new patient exams, and operative appointments) who are ASA class I or
II, cooperative patients classified as 3 or 4 according to the Frankl Behavioral
Rating Scale,

- No known allergies or sensitivities to products or ingredients being tested

Exclusion Criteria:

- ASA III or above

- Known allergies or sensitivities to any of the mouth rinses or any of the ingredients
in the mouth rinses to be tested

- Non English speaking parent or participant

- Patient presenting to the clinic as a walk in or emergency appointment

- Patient experiencing any pain or sensitivity

- consuming any beverage or food or performing oral hygiene practices such as brushing
or flossing, within 1 hour prior to trial participation

- No use of a mouth rinse in the last 24 hours

- Precooperative or uncooperative behavior or behavior classified as 1 or 2 according
to the Frankl Behavioral Rating Scale