Positive Health Online

Abstract

KAIM and colleagues, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York USA jmk2@is2.nyu.edu studied the antimicrobial activity of one prescription and two commercially available over-the-counter mouthrinses, as well as positive and negative controls against bacteria commonly found in the mouth.

Background

Methodology

The authors used the following bacteria: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis and Actinomyces viscosus. Sterile discs treated with the mouthrinses were placed on agar plates along with the controls. Zones of microbial inhibition were measures followed 48 hours of incubation.

Results

All mouthrinses demonstrated antimicrobial activity against the bacteria tested. The Herbal mouth and gum therapy, containing natural ingredients, produced the largest zones of microbial inhibition, compared to Listerine against all three of the bacterial strains tested . Herbal Mouth and gum therapy mouthrinse produced larger zones of microbial inhibition compared to Peridex against 2 of the 2 bacteria tested, and produced similar zones of inhibition against the third bacteria.

Conclusion

References

Kaim JM et al. An in vitro investigation of the antimicrobial activity of an herbal mouthrinse. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry 9(2): 46-8. 1998.