Objectives:To investigate the toxicity and clinical effects of Durian-polysaccharide herbal mouthrinse (DPG) in reduction of
Mutans streptococci and halitosis and its effect on tooth abrasion. Materials & Methods:Water, DPG-based solution, and DPG were daily applied into 3 groups of rats' oral cavity. At 21st day, blood and tissue samples were collected for hematological and histopathological examinations. Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) from 30 subjects were measured using Oral Chroma™ as baseline, after rinsing with mouthwashes (saline, chlorhexidine, DPG) at 1st hour and 1 week. Same procedure was repeated until they used 3 kinds of mouthrinse with 2 weeks washout period. The 115 healthy subjects were divided into 3 groups using saline, DPG and chlorhexidine. Their saliva was collected at before and after using the mouthwashes at 1st, 3rd hour and 1 week. The number of
Mutans streptococci was counted.The 36 fixed orthodontic patients used saline, DPG, and chlorhexidine in random sequence with 2 weeks washout period. Their saliva was collected before and after rinsing at 1st hour and 1 week. The number of
Mutans streptococci was counted. Neutron-irradiated enamel specimens were brushed with a brushing machine for 6 h. The neutron released from the specimens were measured by beta-radiation counte. Results: Neither toxicity nor allergic reaction was detected in animals receiving DPG. DPG could reduce the number of
Mutans streptococci and halitosis. Effect of DPG on enamel erosion was not significantly different from that of commercial mouthwash. Conclusion: DPG has antimicrobial activity against
Mutans streptococci and can reduce halitosis.