Aim: To compare the efficacy of black coffee mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in prevention of gingivitis and plaque formation. Materials and methods: A total of 30 randomly selected subjects visiting the private clinic, were considered for the study. The gingival index (GI) by Loe and Silness was recorded which was followed by Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman modification of Quigley Hein plaque index (TQHPI) at 0 and 15 days. Individuals who gave an informed consent, subjects in the age group of 25 to 35 years with having fair and poor gingival index scores, were included in the study. Results: Results showed statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) in mean plaque index (PI) with chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash when compared with black coffee mouthwash. No significant difference in mean gingival index (GI) was seen when chlorhexidine mouthwash was compared with Coffea canephorea extract. Conclusion: From the above observations, it can be concluded that chlorhexidine gluconate as well as black coffee mouthwash can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control methods in prevention of plaque and gingivitis. chlorhexidine gluconate has been found to be more effective when antiplaque property was considered.