Introduction: Oil pulling is described in ayurvedic literature as an oral hygiene practice. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is considered as the “gold standard” among mouthwashes.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral hygiene maintenance and plaque control among patients of age group 14-25 years with gingivitis undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Methods: A total of 30 subjects undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy with mild to moderate plaque induced gingivitis in the age group of 14-25 years were recruited and were randomly divided into 2 groups each with 15 subjects. Gingival and plaque status was assessed. Group A subjects were advised oil pulling with coconut oil and Group B subjects were advised to use chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% as an adjuvant along with routine tooth brushing for 15 days. After a relapse period of 7 days, the groups were crossed over. The indices were again recorded at the end of 15 days, after 7 days of washout period and after 15 days of cross over period.

Conclusion: Oil pulling can be an effective alternative to CHX for routine oral hygiene practices.