Background: Studies have reported contradictory findings regarding the efficacy of chemical mouthwashes for chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Objectives: This study sought to compare the effect of the combined solution of grape vinegar and rose water versus chlorhexidine mouthwash on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis.
Methods: 60 patients were randomly assigned to either chlorhexidine or the vinegar and rose water solution. Fifty-three patients completed the study. Patients rinsed their mouths with mouthwash three times a day for 14 days.
Findings: Chlorhexidine mouthwash and the grape vinegar and rose water solution decreased chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The therapeutic property of the grape vinegar and rose water solution was similar to that of chlorhexidine mouthwash in treating oral mucositis.
Keywords: chemotherapy; chlorhexidine; oral mucositis; rose water; vinegar.