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

• Main Author: Neo, Claire Yun Yun
• Other Authors: Christopher Shearwood
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2017
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/71543
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

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.