Evaluation of the Effects of Chlorhexidine 0.12% Mouthwash on Mouth Pathogen Streptococcus and Normal Microflora

Abstract

Statement of Problem: Mouthwashes like brush and dental floss, can cause reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis. An optimal mouthwash should have antimicrobial properties, low drug resistance, and cause no decrease in normal microflora of the mouth.Purpose: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the effects of chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash on pathogen streptococcus and normal microflora of the mouth.Materials and Method: In this experimental study, based on selected inclusion criteria, 28 subjects, were selected and asked to use 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash for 2 weeks, according to the manufacturer instruction. Before and after rinsing with the mouthwash, subjects were requested to wash their mouth with physiologic serum. After washing, 1cc of saliva of each individual was collected in sterile tube and immediately sent to microbiology laboratory. This process was repeated 2 weeks after using mouthwash. The number of pathogen streptococcus and normal microflora colonies of the mouth before and after using chlorhexidine were recorded. For analyzing the data, T and Chi Square Test were used.Results: Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12%) significantly decreased numbers of the pathogen streptococcus and mouth normal microflora ( p <0/05).Conclusion: This study showed that, 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash, can destroy not only the mouth pathogen streptococci, but also the normal microflora of the mouth. The latter should be considered as its side effect. Key words: Chlorhexidine, Streptococcus, Normal microflora