Antibacterial Effect of Moringa Mouthwash in Children With Mixed Dentition Wearing Orthodontic Appliances

Oral diseases, such as gingivitis and dental caries, remain among the most prevalent public health issues worldwide despite significant advancements in dentistry. Children and adolescents are commonly affected by various periodontal conditions, including gingivitis, periodontitis, and periodontal diseases linked to systemic disorders. Epidemiological studies indicate that gingivitis of varying severity is widespread in this populatio. Removable orthodontic appliances provide favorable environments for pathogenic microorganisms due to biofilm accumulation on their surfaces and retentive sites like clamps, elastomeric rings, wires, and acrylic bases. The introduction of these devices creates new retentive areas in the oral cavity that facilitate bacterial adherence and biofilm growth . Oral microorganisms can be classified by their biological characteristics and location. The supragingival biofilm comprises six main microbial groups: red, orange, yellow, green, and purple complexes, along with the Actinomyces group and cariogenic species. Among these, the red and orange complexes are strongly associated with periodontal disease . The bacterial microflora plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preventing colonization of potentially pathogenic exogenous microorganisms and regulating the host's inflammatory response to commensal bacteria . Previous studies provide moderate-to-high evidence that orthodontic appliances significantly alter oral microbiota composition, particularly increasing Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacilli levels. Moreover, many children wearing removable orthodontic appliances exhibit imperfect oral hygiene compliance, often due to limited manual dexterity. Therefore, auxiliary antimicrobial agents are clinically recommended to control microbial contamination of these appliances and reduce the risk of dental caries and

periodontal disease during orthodontic treatment . Although mechanical cleaning remains the gold standard for preventing microbial colonization in the oral cavity, its effectiveness can be compromised by patient compliance, improper technique, and the complexity of appliances or prostheses. Consequently, chemotherapeutic agents are often advised to support oral hygiene and provide antibacterial effects . Herbal mouthwashes and toothpaste have gained popularity for their beneficial effects on dental health. Several herbal products exhibit antibacterial properties that inhibit acid production by cariogenic bacteria and limit plaque formation . Among herbal options, Moringa oleifera is notable for its rich composition of bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phytosterols, vitamins, minerals, and organic acids. It is also a significant source of antioxidants such as tocopherols, carotenoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, ascorbic acid, and folate . Importantly, Moringa oleifera contains saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids with anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds modulate transcription factors like nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2, which are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis . This study will be performed to evaluate the microbiological effects of Moringa mouthwash on Streptococcus and Lactobacillus bacteria in children with mixed dentition who are wearing removable