The objective of this study was to compare the clinical effects of coconut-oil and 0.12 % chlorhexidine
(CHX) on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis. Forty healthy undergraduate dental students were randomly allocated
into two groups of 20 participants each: control group (0.12 % CHX) and experimental group (coconut oil). All participants
were instructed to rinse their mouthdaily strictly and consistently for two weeks. Oral examination, plaque index
(PI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were performed at baseline and on day 14. At the end of the study, satisfaction,
adverse effects and a desire to continue mouthrinse usage were recorded by questionnaires. Thirty-five participants
completed the trial. The results revealed that there were significant reductions in PI and GBI between baseline and
day 14 in both groups (p=0.001; p<0.001). The mean percentage reductions in PI and GBI in each group were; 0.12 %
CHX (41.05 % and 33 %, respectively) and coconut oil (29.43 % and 36.35 %, respectively). There was no significant
difference in the percentage reductions in PI and GBI between the two mouthrinses. Coconut oil had significantly
higher overall satisfaction scores, greater satisfaction scores for taste and fewer side effects (p=0.03, p<0.001, p=0.003,
respectively). However, the numbers of participants who desired to continue using coconut oil were significantly
lower than those who desired to use CHX because the long rinsing duration for coconut oil was an obstacle. Coconut
oil can be considered as an alternative mouthrinse in reducing PI and GBI in participants with gingivitis because of
its fewer side effects.