Aim: This study evaluated the efficacy of mouthrinses containing natural compounds—specifically, propolis and green tea extracts—in reducing bacterial dental plaque compared to a placebo and a 0.2% chlorhexidine rinse. We hypothesized that these natural compounds would significantly reduce plaque accumulation, with efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine. Objective: The objective was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of two natural mouthrinses—10% propolis and 5% green tea—compared to a placebo and 0.2% chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque. Trial Design: The trial design was a randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Materials and Methods: In a single-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 60 healthy adult volunteers received a professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) and were then randomized into four groups (n = 15 each): a propolis mouthwash, a green tea mouthwash, a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (positive control), and a placebo rinse. The participants rinsed twice daily for four weeks in addition to standard tooth brushing. The plaque levels were assessed using the Silness–Löe plaque index at baseline and after four weeks. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Results: All groups had similar baseline plaque scores (≈2.5). After four weeks, the propolis and green tea groups showed significant reductions in plaque (mean indices of 1.02 and 1.12, respectively) compared to the placebo group (mean index = 2.01, p < 0.001). The chlorhexidine group achieved a mean plaque index of 0.90. The propolis rinse showed no significant difference from chlorhexidine (p = 0.40), indicating comparable efficacy. The green tea rinse had a slightly higher plaque index than chlorhexidine (p = 0.03). No significant adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Mouthwashes containing 10% propolis or 5% green tea significantly reduced dental plaque, with propolis demonstrating efficacy comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine.

Background/Objectives: Oral health in children remains a key public health concern, particularly in regions with limited access to preventive programs. Despite improvements in dental care availability, the prevalence of plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and carious lesions remains high. This study provides updated regional data for Western Romania—a population previously underrepresented in oral health surveillance—and aims to evaluate oral hygiene behaviors, dietary habits, and clinical oral health indicators among Romanian schoolchildren, identifying potential areas for preventive action. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2025 on 202 schoolchildren aged 5–14 years from Western Romania. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socio-demographic characteristics, oral hygiene practices, and dietary behaviors, followed by a standardized intraoral examination. Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded, and statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: Most participants (83.7%) reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, whereas only 24.8% used dental floss and 13.4% used interdental aids. The prevalence of carious lesions or restorations was 66.8%, visible plaque was 69.8%, and gingival inflammation was 50.0%. A significant positive correlation was observed between PI and GI (r = 0.58, p < 0.001). Children aged 5–7 years exhibited the highest rate of active carious lesions (71.2%, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Although brushing frequency among Romanian schoolchildren was generally satisfactory, inadequate interdental hygiene and suboptimal plaque control were common. School-based preventive programs emphasizing proper brushing technique, dietary counseling, and early education may contribute to improved oral health outcomes in this population.