Effect of Listerine Antiseptic on Salivary Mutans Streptococci

Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental caries by triggering dental plaque formation. An effort to control dental caries in the community has been done in many ways ,such as tooth brushing ,mouth rinsing with antiseptic and fluoridation at drinking water in certain community ,but actually dental caries is high. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of antimicrobial agent of Listerine antiseptic containing Eucalyptol 0.092%, Menthol 0.042%, Methyl salicylate 0.060% and Thymol 0.064% to inhibit the growth of the salivary mutans streptococci .Methods: Fourteen respondents participated as subjects on the clinical trial were two times treated, before and after mouth rinsing with Listerine antiseptic and as subject control before and after mouth rinsing with Aqua drinking water. Saliva samples were collected before and after mouth rinsing with Listerine antiseptic and Aqua drinking water .A serial dilution was made , followed by pouring on the TYS2OB medium. Data which were obtaining from colony forming units (CFU) of salivary mutans streptococci grew on the TYS2OB (Shaeken et al. 1986) medium before and after mouth rinsing were analyzed in a descriptive and “t” test. Results: The results showed that there is no significant difference in the average amount Streptococcus mutans colony between before and after mouth rinsing using Aqua drinking water. How ever a significant difference was found respectively as a results of before and after mouth rinsing with Listerine antiseptic Conclusion: Therefore it can be concluded that mouthwash containing Eucalyptol 0.092%, Menthol 0.042%, Methyl salicylate 0.060% and Thymol 0.064% has antimicrobial activity against salivary mutans streptococci.. It can be used to prevent caries (This study was supported by P.T Johnson & Johnson Indonesia )