In-vitro comparative study of the anti-microbial efficacy of 5% NaCl solution and common oral antiseptics on the biofilm growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei

• Main Author: Jalud, Fatimah B.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Mouthwashes; Antiseptics in dentistry; Oral hygiene products; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/3018
• Institution: De La Salle University

Dental caries or tooth decay is the result of a process wherein the enamel and dentin of a tooth is broken-down which eventually leads to tooth loss. It is caused by the build-up of acid by-products resulting from the metabolism of fermentable carbohydrates particularly from cariogenic bacteria. Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei are cariogenic bacteria that have been known to be prevalent in the initiation and progression of dental caries. Mouthwashes are part of common oral health management. However, most commercial mouthwashes are not affordable particularly in low income households. This study aimed to determine whether an alternative to commercial mouthwashes, i.e. 5% NaCl solution may be viable. The study determined the antibacterial efficacy of the 5% NaCl solution and commercial mouthwashes on planktonic S. mutans and L. casei. Those found to have bacteriostatic effects were further tested for their bactericidal effects on S. mutans and L. casei that were allowed to form biofilms. The results showed that 5% NaCl solution did not exhibit antibacterial effects on both planktonic S. mutans and L. casei. Colgate treatment for 30 s and Listerine treatment for 5 min exhibited bactericidal effects on both the biofilm-forming S. mutans and L. casei. Bactidol treatment for 30 s exhibited bactericidal effects on S. mutans, but not on L. casei. This study concludes that 5% NaCl is not a viable alternative to commercial mouthwashes in terms of its antibacterial effect against S. mutans and L. casei, while Colgate mouthwash was the most efficient among those tested, showing bactericidal effects on the two test organisms after a 30 s treatment.