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Published on: December 10, 2013
An in vitro antimicrobial comparison of miswak extract with commercially available non-alcohol mouthrinses
1Department of Periodontics, New York University, College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010-4086, USA. khalidalmas@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial activity of eight commercially available mouthrinses and 50% miswak extract against seven microorganisms. Corsodyl, Alprox, Oral-B advantage, Florosept, Sensodyne, Aquafresh Mint, Betadine and Emoform mouthrinses were used while 50% aqueous extract of miswak (Salvadora persica) was used against Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenis, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The ditch plate method was used to test the antimicrobial activity. Inhibition zones of microorganisms around ditches were measured in millimetres. Range, mean and standard deviations were used for comparison of antimicrobial activity. Mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine was with maximum antibacterial activity, while cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinses were with moderate and miswak extract was with low antibacterial activity. Further research is needed for the substantivity of these mouthrinses and further in vivo/in vitro studies are needed using Biofilm model to substantiate present findings. Dental professionals must exercise caution and provide guidance in assisting their patients in making informed choices regarding their use of mouthrinses for clinical efficacy.
Insights
This study compared mouthwash antimicrobial activity. Chlorhexidine mouthwashes showed the highest effectiveness against tested bacteria and fungi, while miswak extract had low activity.
Area of Science:
- Oral Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Mouthrinses are widely used for oral hygiene.
- Assessing their antimicrobial efficacy is crucial for clinical recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of eight commercial mouthrinses and a 50% miswak extract.
- To compare their effectiveness against key oral microorganisms.
Main Methods:
- The ditch plate method was employed to test antimicrobial activity.
- Inhibition zones were measured for eight mouthrinses and miswak extract against seven microorganisms, including *Streptococcus spp.*, *Staphylococcus spp.*, and *Candida albicans*.
Main Results:
- Mouthrinses containing chlorhexidine demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity.
- Mouthrinses with cetylpyridinium chloride exhibited moderate activity.
- The 50% miswak (Salvadora persica) extract showed low antimicrobial activity.
Conclusions:
- Chlorhexidine-based mouthrinses are most effective among the tested products.
- Further in vivo and in vitro studies, particularly using biofilm models, are recommended.
- Dental professionals should guide patients in selecting effective mouthrinses.
