Antibacterial activity of selected commercial products for mouth washing and disinfection, assessed in accordance with PN-EN 1040

Abstract

BackgroundCurrently, there is a wide range of products for mouth washing on the Polish market. They have different qualitative and quantitative compositions, and they differ particularly in the concentration of active substances. In antisepsis and disinfection, the significant reduction in number of cells of microorganisms in a particular environment is very crucial. The chemical agents should provide a significant decrease in number of microorganisms in a relatively short time. The purpose of this study was to examine the bactericidal activity of selected herbal products used for treatment of inflammation, and disinfection and washing of the mouth, having antibacterial activity as declared by the manufacturers.Material/MethodsThe study included 28 products for mouth washing and disinfection available in Poland. Bactericidal activity was studied using a quantitative suspension test according to the standard PN-EN 1040.ResultsOnly 1 of 4 tested herbal products, registered as medicinal products, showed satisfactory antibacterial activity when they were used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A total of 13 preparations (48%) complied with the standard requirements against all tested strains. Up to 19% of products showed no bactericidal activity against bacterial strains, and up to 33% were only effective against certain microorganisms.ConclusionsThe informational literature accompanying most antiseptics should be corrected by the manufacturers, providing information about antimicrobial activity consistent with the requirements of applicable standards. The information on the packaging or in the leaflets for antiseptic products should be corrected by the manufacturers to include accurate information on antimicrobial activity.

Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative?

“…It is active, for example, against bacteria such as P. gingivalis and S. mutant , which cause periodontitis and other dental ailments. Therefore, its main component 1,8-cineneol has been used in products for oral hygiene, such as Listerine Cleanmint (Pfizer), Listerine Freshmint (Pgizer), and Walgreens Fresh Breath Antiseptic Mouth Rinse (Walgreen Co.) [99]. The EO was also active against E. tarda, V. ichthoenteri, V. harveyi, P. damselae, S. iniae, S. parauberis, and L. garviae , considered to be pathogens of fish [100].…”

“…Eucalyptus EO is more active against Gram-negative than Gram-positive bacteria, which is attributed to the presence of components such as 1.8-cineole, p -cymene, cis -geraniol, and terpinolene, which can increase the permeability of the cytoplasmic membrane through functional impairment. The most sensitive bacterium is Acinetobacter baumannii [99].…”

“…Eucalyptus EO toxicity studies performed in vitro and in animals have shown that it is low in toxicity. In addition, studies conducted with the participation of human volunteers indicated its low allergenicity [99].…”

Evaluation of mycobactericidal activity of selected chemical disinfectants and antiseptics according to European standards

“…Recently, we compared selected commercial mouthwash and disinfection products [8]. Our department is certified by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) for microbiological tests carried out in accordance with ISO/EN 17025 and possesses the accreditation of the Polish Centre for Accreditation (No.…”

“…The Department of Antibiotics and Microbiology at the National Medicines Institute, Warsaw, Poland, has investigated the antimicrobial effectiveness of antiseptic and disinfectant products for many years. Recently, we compared selected commercial mouthwash and disinfection products [ 8 ]. Our department is certified by the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (EDQM) for microbiological tests carried out in accordance with ISO/EN 17025 and possesses the accreditation of the Polish Centre for Accreditation (No.…”