Bactericidal and fungicidal activity of selected mouthrinses - an in vitro study

Dental caries as well as periodontal diseases are disorders of bacterial origin. The microorganisms responsible for caries are bacteria of the Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus species. Among the microorganisms considered pathogenic for the periodontium are Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannarella forsythensis, while Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, Peptostreptococcus micros, Fusobacterium, Eubacterium and Treponema species, as well as yeast-like fungi, are classified as potentially pathogenic (1). The above mentioned bacteria are deposited on the tooth surface forming a biofilm, generally known as plaque. Plaque control plays a fundamental role in the prevention of dental caries and periodontitis. Despite of this, mechanical methods of plaque control are often insufficient, and the supplemental use of chemical agents is recommended. It is often the case that manual skills are deficient, in individuals with physical or mental handicap, as well as following oral surgical procedures (2, 3). The aim of chemical plaque control is to prevent the proliferation of microorganisms (bacteriostatic agents), or the eradication of the microorganisms already present in the biofilm, as well as the newcomers (bactericidal agents) (4). The most frequently used carrier of an antibacterial chemical agent is a mouthrinse. Other carriers used include toothpaste, sprays, irrigation liquids, chewing gum, lozenges and dental varnishes (5). Among the most frequently used substances in plaque control are chlorhexidine, belonging to the bis-biguanides, as well as cetylpiridinium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, phenolic compounds such as triclosan, oxidizing agents e.g. hydrogen peroxide, fluoride compounds e.g. a combination of fluoroamines and stannous fluoride, metal salts e.g. tin, zinc, and others e.g. hexetidine (5).

The effectiveness of the chemical agents used for plaque control has been assessed through in vitro and in vivo assays. For the in vitro studies bacteriological tests were used, which assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the tested agents (4).

The aim of this study was an in vitro assessment of the bactericidal and fungicidal action of eight mouthrinses used in home oral hygiene, with reference to selected species of bacteria and yeast most frequently observed in dental caries and periodontitis.

The tested mouthrinses are presented in Table 1. The bactericidal and fungicidal action of the rinses was evaluated with respect to standard strains of the following microorganisms: Streptococcus mutans CIP 103220T, Lactobacillus acidophilus CIP 7316T, Fusobacterium nucleatum CIP 101130T, Prevotella intermedia CIP 103607 and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans CIP 52109, as well as Candida albicans IP 4872, originating from the microorganism collection of l´Institut Pasteur (Paris).

Bacterial suspensions were prepared directly prior to use in sterile, distilled water at a concentration of 10⁸-10⁹ bacteria/ml, whereas for C. albicans – at a concentration of 10⁷/ml. Bactericidal and fungicidal action was determined using the „dil

To jest tylko fragment artykułu. Aby przeczytać całość, przejdź do Czytelni medycznej.