A cross-over 6-month clinical trial was carried out to determine in vitro impact of different concentrations of salt water mouthwash when compared to chlorhexidine on oral flora.
The 5.8% saline mouthwash exhibited the same effectiveness on oral flora as the commonly prescribed 0.1% chlorhexidine mouthwash.
A cross-over 6-month clinical trial was carried out to determine in vitro impact of different concentrations of salt water mouthwash when compared to chlorhexidine on oral flora.
The study included 10 people from whom 240 saliva samples (24 samples per patient) were taken. Each subject (age ranged from 22 to 25 years) was given similar intervention (mouthwash) at a specific time and the influence was noted at regular intervals. For avoiding carry-over effects, a period of three days (wash-out period) was noted between interventions (0.1% chlorhexidine and mouthwashes with different saline solutions).
For determining the bacterial species affected by mouthwashes, gram staining was carried out prior to mouthwash and 7 hours following mouthwashes.
It was found that two minutes following mouthwash, all solutions minimized the oral flora. The homemade saline (2%) exhibited an antibacterial action on the oral flora that lasted for three hours. But, as sampling continued, only 5.8%, 23% and 0.1% chlorhexidine concentrations minimized the oral flora significantly.
Notably, the 5.8% salt concentration and 0.1% chlorhexidine exhibited antibacterial activity of 5 hours and the 23% salt concentration depicted an activity of 7 hours. In addition, a significant action was witnessed on the gram-positive bacteria.
For short term indications, homemade saline can be prescribed as its antibacterial action lasts for three hours. Due to the pungent and irritating taste, the 23% saline should be evaded.
Advances in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Comparison of the effect of saline mouthwash versus chlorhexidine on oral flora
Nokam Kamdem Gimel Stephane et al.
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