EFFICACY OF SELECTED TOOTHPASTES AND MOUTHRINSES AGAINST ORAL PATHOGEN

Five toothpaste samples and three mouthwash samples were selected. Oral pathogens were isolated from the donor¿s saliva. Two bacterial strains were isolated from the sample and they were identified as Streptococcus sp and Lactobacillus sp. These are the two major strains which cause dental caries. Five toothpaste samples (sample A, B, C, D and E) were selected of which sample E (34mm and 23mm) showed maximum zone of inhibition when compared to other samples. Sample E is a herbal toothpaste which contains plant extract whose efficiency is equivalent to 0.2% chlorhexidine. Three mouthwash samples were selected of which sample M2 (16mm and 18mm) showed maximum zone of inhibition. It contains chlorhexidine as one of the major ingredient which is an antiseptic. When these chemical compounds were used for a longer time, they enhance the resistant activity of the oral pathogens.