Exploring the anti-microbial effect of mouth-wash solutions on mixed species biofilms

This final year project report explored the effects of non-alcoholic Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) based mouthwash on single species bacteria and mixed species bacteria. Manufacturers often place bold statements on the mouthwash bottle stating that the usage of the mouthwash could help kill over 99...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Neo, Claire Yun Yun
Other Authors: Christopher Shearwood
Format: Final Year Project
Language:English
Published: 2017
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71543
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Institution: Nanyang Technological University
Language: English
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Summary:This final year project report explored the effects of non-alcoholic Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) based mouthwash on single species bacteria and mixed species bacteria. Manufacturers often place bold statements on the mouthwash bottle stating that the usage of the mouthwash could help kill over 99% of bacteria. As a result, consumers were often attracted to purchase the mouthwash. However, not much had been done to study the truth behind these statements, especially on mixed species bacteria. The investigation was conducted on binary combination of PAO1 + PF-5 and PF-5 + KP-1. These 3 bacteria were chosen for their reproducibility and also for their coexistence in various environments. Results of the investigation showed that the 99% claim may not always be true especially when the solution was diluted. However, consumers often diluted their mouthwash solution during usage to reduce the burning sensation experience after a short moment of gargling in the mouth. Although mouthwash indeed helped to reduce bacteria in the mouth, proper oral hygiene should still be taken care of. Mouthwash should be regarded as a supplement to good oral hygiene and not as a substitute to tooth brushing or other oral hygiene habits.