Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Dental caries is an infectious disease transmitted by multiple factors in the mouth and one of the most common chronic diseases in the world that requires a lot of treatment expenses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride 0.2% and Fuchs mouthwash (a combination of xylitol and fluoride 920 ppm) against two bacterial growths (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus).

Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study, first the well diffusion method and then MIC method (minimum inhibitory concentration) were used. Data were analyzed with Excell (2016).

Results: The results of the MIC method showed inhibitory effect of both mouthwashes in pure concentration (128 μg/ml). However, fluoride was effective in concentration higher than 32 μg/ml for Streptococcus mutans and higher than 2 μg/ml for lactobacillus acidophilus. Fuchs was effective for both bacteria at concentration higher than 64 μg/ml and in lower concentration it was ineffective. The results of the well diffusion test showed the inhibition of fluoride mouthwash in pure concentration on the Streptococcus mutans was (17 mm) and on the lactobacillus acidophilus 24 mm was obtained. In Fuchs mouthwash was zero and it represented effectiveness of fluoride on bacteria and ineffectiveness of Fuchs.

Conclusion: The fluoride mouthrinse in different concentrations, because of having a good inhibitory effect in both methods on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus was more effective compared with that of Fuchs mouthrinse.