Comparative evaluation of pomegranate juice and chlorhexidine gluconate as ultrasonic liquid coolants on dental aerosols: a randomized control clinical and microbiological trial

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Pomegranate juice and Chlorhexidinegluconate as ultrasonic liquid coolant on aerosols in comparison with normal saline clinically and microbiologically. Method: Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were divided into Group 1: normal saline, Group 2: pomegranate juice, Group 3: 0.12% chlorhexidinegluconate, used as ultrasonic liquid coolants. One blood agar plate was kept in fumigated chamber 10 minutes before scaling. Calibrated face shield was used by clinician to evaluate face contamination during scaling. Two agars at distance of 0.4 meters on either side and one 2 meters behind dental chair during scaling were evaluated for colony forming units (CFU) on agar. Results: At baseline, no significant CFUs were detected. Mean CFU reduction in Group 3 (26.53 ± 6.65) and group 2 (29.6 ± 3.03) but results obtained were not statistically significant. CFU were highest in group 1 (123.9 ± 9.13). More CFU were found on agar which were kept on right side in all the three groups. The area near the ala of the nose and inner canthus of eye has more contamination on face shield. Conclusion: Pomegranate juice is potent antimicrobial agent andcan be used as an ultrasonic liquid coolant during scaling.