EFFECT OF 12.5% VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (COCOS NUCIFERA) MOUTHWASH ON PLAQUE INDEX OF FIXED PROSTHETIC DENTURE USERS

Objective: To find out the difference in the plaque index scores of FPD users before and after using a 12.5% VCO mouthwash. Methods: The plaque index measurement of an abutment tooth was taken on 40 subjects with FPD in both test and control groups. Subjects used a 12.5% VCO mouthwash or aquades twice a day for 4 days after brushing their teeth. Statistical analysis of the measurement result of the plaque index scores before and after using the coconut oil mouthwash was done using the Wilcoxon test. Results: There is a statistically significant difference in the plaque index scores of FPD users before and after using the 12.5% VCO mouthwash with a statistically significant decrease in plaque index scores among restoration margin locations and tooth brushing habits, but not among age and gender groups. Conclusion: Using a 12.5% VCO mouthwash may decrease the plaque index of fixed prosthetic denture users.