AN IN-VITRO STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFICACY OF ANTIPLAQUE AGENTS IN MOUTHWASH FORMULATIONS

A rapid and simple in vitro test to evaluate antiplaque mouthwash form ulations for their effectiveness in preventing the formation of dental plaque micro-organisms was investigated. Streptococcus mutans grown i n brain heart infusion broth containing 5% sucrose was used as the pla que-inducing micro-organism and polymethylmethacrylate (Perspex) strip s provided the substrate for the deposition of plaque. Over a period o f 3 days the strips were treated twice daily with mouthwash. The Persp ex strips were then stained using a plaque disclosing agent, and plaqu e development was measured using a double beam visible spectrophotomet er. The colour intensity of the strips was recorded by laser colour co py to allow visual comparison of results. Two novel antiplaque mouthwa sh formulations, containing 0.05% cetyl pyridinium chloride and 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate respectively were compared with a commercially available product and a placebo. The technique provides a simple, rep roducible in vitro test which is sufficiently sensitive to differentia te between similar formulations.