Antimicrobial Efficacy of Commonly Prescribed Mouthwashes

Background Povidone-iodine, chlorhexidine and warm saline mouth rinses are most commonly used for their antimicrobial property. Literature reveals inconclusive evidence regarding efficacy of theses mouthwashes. Aim Aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-microbial efficacy, of Povidone-Iodine, Chlorhexidine, and saline mouth-rinse by analyzing the microbial load of oral cavity before and after using these mouthwashes. Method 30 participants were divided into 3 groups of 10 each namely Povidon- iodine, Chlorhexidine, and Warm saline. Samples were obtained by taking a swab from the buccal mucosa before, after 1 hour of use and after 1 week of use in recommended dose and concentration. The efficacy of mouthwash was determined comparing the bacterial load before and after use. Result Mean bacterial load in Povidone-iodine group before the mouth rinse was 1.4X10 5 CFU/mL which was reduced to 1.2X10 3 CFU/mL and was maintained at 3.3X10 3 CFU/mL at the end of 1 week use whereas mean bacterial load in Chlorhexidine group was 1.6 X 105 CFU/mL which was reduced to 2 X 103 CFU/mL 1 hour after the first rinse  and was 2 X 103 CFU/mL  after  1 week of use. But in Saline group mean bacterial load before the mouth rinse was 8.9 X 10 4 CFU/mL which was reduced to 5.1X10 4 CFU/mL and was maintained at 5X10 4 CFU/mL after 1 week . Conclusion Povidone-iodine and Chlorhexidine showed very highly significant antimicrobial activity however there was no significant difference between the two. We found no significant antimicrobial efficacy in the routinely used saline mouth rinse.