Effect of Kangen and reverse osmosis water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans counts: a randomized-controlled trial (A preliminary study)

Abstract

Purpose: The present randomized-controlled trial was conducted to assess the effect of Kangen water and reverse osmosis (RO) water on dental plaque, salivary pH and salivary Streptococcus mutans count. Materials and methods: This randomized control trial was conducted for 14 days on 24 randomly selected participants from the pool of undergraduate dental students. Participants were randomly divided into two groups of 12 each: the Kangen water (pH 9) group and the RO water group. Participants in each group were asked to drink allocated water for 7 days. Dental plaque, salivary pH and microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) were assessed after 7 and 14 days. Results: Intragroup comparison showed that all three outcomes showed a significant improvement in the Kangen water group after 14 days, whereas no difference was seen in the RO water group. Intergroup comparison showed a significant difference in plaque score and CFU among the two groups after 7 and 14 days, whereas pH between the two groups did not show a significant difference. Conclusions: Regular drinking of alkaline Kangen water with pH 9 was found to be effective in reducing plaque and salivary Streptococcus mutans count when compared to RO water. HIGHLIGHTS This is the first study where long-term usage of Kangen water for drinking purposes has been evaluated instead of use as a mouthwash.; Kangen water has been compared with RO water which is used for drinking purposes on a daily basis.;

Keywords

• alkaline water
• kangen water
• salivary ph
• salivary plaque