Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly important global problem. Chlorhexidine gluconate is considered the most effective antiplaque and antigingivitis agent. But Flotra et al have reported side effects like discoloration of teeth and tongue, taste disturbances, and paresthesia associated with its usage. Probiotic technology involves utilizing natural beneficial oral flora as a defense mechanism against detrimental bacteria.Objective-To assess and compare the effectiveness of a probiotic mouthwash with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on plaque inhibition and gingival inflammation. Methodology: A randomized trial was designed for a period of 3 weeks on 40 subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups (20 subjects in each group) i.e. Group A‑ chlorhexidine mouthwash and Group B‑ probiotic mouthwash. All the subjects were instructed to rinse their mouth with 10 ml of their respective mouthrinse for 1 min twice daily for 21 days. Result- There was a statistically significant difference seen for the intra group comparison for both chlorhexidine group and probiotic group at 21st day with reduction in plaque index and gingival index for both probiotic group and chlorhexidine group. There was a statistically non-significant difference seen for the inter group comparison of the outcome variables with reduction in plaque index and gingival index for probiotic group as compared to chlorhexidine group. Conclusion: The Probiotic mouth rinse tested was effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Therefore, the Probiotic mouth rinse has a potential therapeutic value and further long-term study is recommended to determine its efficacy
