Method: Over the counter mouthwashes and toothpastes containing different ingredients (natural substances, plant extracts and other) were evaluated for the antimicrobial activity on S. mutans and C.albicans using an agar well diffusion method. As mouthwashes-Listerine Zero (Jonhson&Johnson Cons.Co.), Sensodyne (GlaxoSmithKline Co.), Eludril Antibacterial (PierreFabre OralCare), Prodentin (BiotaLab./Istanbul); as toothpastes-Anti-Cavity toothpaste with Miswak (Colgate-Palmolive Co.), Sensodyne Full Protection& Whitening toothpaste, Sensodyne Repair&Protect toothpaste (GlaxoSmithKline), Ipana Pro-Expert All in1 (Procter&Gamble Co.), Prodentin toothpaste for sensitive teeth, Prodentin Whitening&Stain Removal toothpaste, Prodentin Anti-Cavity toothpaste; Prodentin toothpaste for Kids and Babies (Biota Lab/Istanbul), R.O.C.S toothpaste for Kids and Babies (WDS Lab) were used. All mouthwashes and toothpastes were used at 1:1 dilution; chlorhexidine (%0.2) and sterile deionized water were used as controls. Inhibition zones were measured in mm after 48 hours; each measurement repeated three times and the mean and SD were calculated for each well. Statistical analyses were performed by using Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney U tests.
Result: Significant differences were found between mouthwashes for S. mutans and C. albicans (p<0.01). Listerine Zero mouthwash showed the lowest effect on S. mutans (p<0.05). All toothpastes were effective in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans and C. albicans while only Colgate Anti-Cavity Toothpaste with Miswak did not produce inhibition zone for C. albicans. Prodentin Whitening& Stain Removal Toothpaste exhibited the most effective antibacterial activity against S. mutans (p<0.05). Among toothpaste for kids/infants, Prodentin Toothpaste for Kids produced largest inhibition zone for S. mutans (p<0.01) and none of them for C. albicans.
Conclusion: To maintain oral health and to prevent caries development, toothpastes and mouthwashes should have an inhibitory activity against oral bacteria.