Background : In our previous study, we investigated the effect of various gargles in reducing oral bacteria. In the present study we investigated the effect of gargling with various gargles in reducing oral bacteria and Candida.
Methods : Eighteen healthy volunteers participated in the following experiment. Eleven gargles were used : running water, 2 and 4 fold diluted and undiluted Listerine®, 2 and 4 fold diluted and undiluted cool-mint Listerine®, 30 fold diluted povidone-iodine, Hachi Azule®, 3 % H
2O
2, and 50 fold diluted Neostelin green®. A saliva specimen was harvested before and after gargling with 30 ml of each gargle and cultured, and the numbers of bacteria and Candida colonies that grew out were compared.
Results : Oral bacteria were detected in all specimens before gargling and had decreased in 50-100% of the specimens after gargling. Candida were detected in 23-38% of the specimens before gargling, and had decreased in 40-100% of the specimens after gargling. The rates of decrease in oral bacteria and Candida were highest with undiluted Listerine® and 30 times diluted povidone-iodine.
Conclusions : Gargling with the gargles were effective in decreasing oral bacteria and Candida. Undiluted Listerine®and 30 times diluted povidone-iodine had the highest efficacy.
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