Antimicrobial Effects of Aloe Vera Mouthwash in Adults with Dental Caries: A Preliminary Clinical Trial

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the antimicrobial efficacy of an aloe vera (ALOE)-based mouthwash against key cariogenic pathogens in adults with dental caries, comparing its effects to a standard chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. Materials and Methods: In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 54 adults with active dental caries (decayed, missing, and filled teeth [DMFT] ≥3) were assigned to either an ALOE (n = 27) or a 0.12% CHX (n = 27) mouthwash group for a 7-day regimen. Unstimulated saliva was collected at baseline and post-intervention. Salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans, Candida, and Lactobacilli were semi-quantitatively assessed using a modified dip-slide test. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U-tests, were performed with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention, the ALOE group demonstrated a significant reduction in salivary Candida levels (P = 0.008). While a decrease in S. mutans was observed, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.096). The CHX group showed significant reductions in both S. mutans (P = 0.046) and Candida (P = 0.002). Neither group exhibited a significant change in Lactobacilli levels, nor significant differences in microbial counts were found between the two groups after the 7-day period. Conclusion: ALOE mouthwash demonstrates significant antifungal activity against salivary Candida in adults with dental caries, positioning it as a potential natural alternative for managing oral fungal loads. While its effect on S. mutans was not as pronounced as CHX in this short-term trial, its efficacy against Candida warrants further investigation into its long-term benefits for oral health maintenance.