Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, not recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07828171

Evaluation of Efficacy of Antibacterial Activity of Licorice, Clove, and Chlorohexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans in a Group of Egyptian Children.

A randomized controlled trial that compares the antibacterial effectiveness of three mouthwashes-licorice, clove, and chlorhexidine-in Egyptian children aged 7-12 years.

The main focus is Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria associated with dental caries. The saliva samples will be collected from the children and the amount of S. mutans will be measured before and after using the assigned mouthwash.

The children will be randomly divided into groups, with each group receiving one of the three mouthwashes. The bacterial counts will then be compared to determine which mouthwash is most effective at reducing salivary S. mutans.

The research question is whether natural mouthwashes made from licorice or clove reduce the bacteria that cause cavities as effectively as chlorhexidine in children?

The study could help determine whether licorice and clove are effective natural alternatives or adjuncts to chlorhexidine, particularly considering that chlorhexidine can have undesirable effects with prolonged use.

Overall aim: Compare and evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the three mouthwashes

Active, not recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Dental Caries Bacterial Infections Bacterial Infections and Mycoses Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections Infections Mouthwashes Stomatognathic Diseases Streptococcal Infections Tooth Demineralization Tooth Diseases

Age range

7 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

The British university in Egypt

Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Pediatric patients with high caries index based on CAMBRA.
  • Frankl scale 3 and 4 (cooperative).

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with teeth showing signs of infection (abscess or fistula)
  • Patients with mucositis (can't be given alcohol containing mouthwashes)
  • Hypertensive patients.
  • Allergic patients.
  • Special health care patients.

Treatment and study plan

Mouth wash

Other

The interventions will consist of three different mouthwashes: licorice mouthwash, clove mouthwash, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Each participant will use the mouthwash assigned to their study group according to the standardized study protocol. The herbal mouthwashes will be prepared using standardized licorice and clove extracts at predetermined concentrations, while the chlorhexidine group will receive 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as the positive control. All mouthwashes will be provided in identical, appropriately labeled containers to maintain blinding where applicable. The interventions will be distinguished by their active ingredient and concentration, while the method, frequency, duration of use, and volume administered will be standardized across all groups.

Primary outcomes

  1. Reduction of dental caries incidence in high-caries index pediatric patients using International Caries Detection and Assessment System.

    Time frame: Baseline(Day 1), 2 weeks postoperative, then 3 months postoperative.

Secondary outcomes

  1. The reduction in Streptococcus mutans count following the use of licorice and clove mouthwashes in Egyptian pediatric patients aged from 7 to 12.

    Time frame: Baseline(Day 1), 2 weeks postoperative, then 3 months postoperative.

  2. Patient reported satisfaction, regarding the taste using a questionnaire.

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

  3. Adverse events related to the use of the licorice and clove mouthwashes, regarding oral irritation and allergies using a questionnaire.

    Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 3 months.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

British University In Egypt

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Efficacy of Antibacterial Activity of Licorice, Clove, and Chlorohexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans in a Group of Egyptian Children: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Sep 18, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.