Background and Aims: Considering the complications of root canal system, debridement would not be effective only by mechanical instrumentation. Therefore, root canal irrigants with the antimicrobial effect that can eliminate more microorganisms during treatment, becomes important. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of 2% thyme essence, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and normal saline as root canal irrigants for primary molar teeth.

  Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 34 primary molars. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups (N=10). The root canals of the teeth were prepared up to the file #35 and all of the specimens were sterilized, and were then contaminated with entrococccus faecalis suspension (Enterococcus Faecalis ATTC 29212). After 48 hours of incubation, the specimens of each group were irrigated with corresponding irrigants. Then, the microbial specimens were collected with sterile paper points. After incubation, the numbers of Colony Forming Units (CFU) were counted using colony counter. Data were analyzed using Smirnov-Kolmogorov, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests.

  Results: Sodium hypochlorite showed the highest antimicrobial effect and showed significant differences compared with normal saline (P<0.001). However, the differences were not significant with thyme essence 2% (P=0.3).

  Conclusion: Thyme essence could be considered as a natural irrigator with a comparable antiseptic effect to sodium hypochlorite.