Efficacy of dental rinse formulations marketed in Abuja, Nigeria in reducing oral flora

Abstract

This study assessed the microbial quality and effectiveness of seven brands of antiseptic dental rinses marketed in Abuja, Nigeria. Seven brands of dental rinses were randomly purchased from the open market and pharmacies. According to the products literature, the brands contained sodium fluoride + triclosan, sodium fluoride + alcohol + cetylpyridinium chloride, alcohol + thymol, natural enzymes + xylitol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine/hexetidine; as antibacterials. Each of the dental rinse products was assessed in duplicate for microbial safety based their effects on growth on nutrient agar and broth. Also, eight volunteers were enrolled to use a dental rinse brand 12 hourly on three consecutive occasions as the only source of oral hygiene, and then in combination with Colgate Triple Action® toothpaste before switching over to another brand. Saliva before and after swilling was taken, plated by pour plate technique, incubated at 37OC and then counted on nutrient agar after 24 hrs. Percentage bacterial reduction was calculated from the difference in bacterial counts before and after swilling. All dental rinse brands were sterile. Non of the dental rinse brand reduced saliva bacteria counts by 50% when used alone, or by 60% when used in combination with saline rinses, or by 70% when used after brushing with Colgate Triple Action® toothpaste. On the average, the natural enzymes + xylitol containing dental rinse exerted a greater reduction in saliva bacteria than non-natural enzymes containing brands. These results indicate that the use of antiseptic dental rinse products with antibacterial toothpaste in oral health
care could provide extra protection than using either antiseptic dental  rinse/toothpaste formulations alone.

Keywords: Saliva, bacteria, dental rinse, Sodium fluoride, antibacterial, natural enzymes, Nigeria