Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Pulling Versus Fluoride Mouthwash on Salivary Bacterial Count in Elderly Egyptians: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Lecturer of Esthetic and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Maintaining oral health in elderly individuals is crucial due to their increased susceptibility to dental caries and periodontal disease. This study evaluated and compared the antimicrobial effectiveness of virgin coconut oil (VCO) pulling and fluoride mouthwash (FMW) on salivary bacterial count in elderly Egyptians.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 72 elderly participants (≥65 years) divided into two groups: Group I received VCO pulling; Group II used FMW. Saliva samples were collected at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Salivary bacterial count (colony-forming units, CFU/ml) was assessed using Mitis salivarius agar. Statistical analysis involved t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA.
Results: Both groups showed a statistically significant reduction in salivary bacterial count over time (P < 0.001). VCO demonstrated a greater reduction at all time points. At 4 weeks, the mean log CFU/ml was 4.02±0.20 in the VCO group vs 4.22±0.23 in the FMW group (P = 0.0003).
Conclusion: Virgin coconut oil pulling is a promising alternative to fluoride mouthwash for reducing salivary bacterial load in elderly individuals. Its natural composition and antimicrobial properties may offer a safer, culturally acceptable oral hygiene practice.

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Egyptian Dental Journal
Volume 71, Issue 3 - Serial Number 5
Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics
July 2025
Pages 2651-2657

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