In Vitro Effects of Different Probiotic Mouthwash Formulations on the Growth of Oral Pathogens

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the effect of various probiotic mouthwash formulations on the quantity of oral pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: This was a laboratory-based study testing four different mouthwash formulations: (1) 10% probiotic supernatant mouthwash, (2) 10% probiotic supernatant / 5% propolis mouthwash, (3) 10% probiotic supernatant / 1% cannabidiol mouthwash, and (4) 10% probiotic supernatant / 5% propolis / 1% cannabidiol mouthwash. A positive control (chlorhexidine mouthwash) and a negative control (0.9% saline solution) were also included. The inhibitory efficacy of these formulations was tested against two microorganisms: Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Quantitative data were collected by counting colonies before and after treatment (CFU/mL). Descriptive statistics and One way ANOVA test were used for analysis (p<0.05). Results: The results showed that each mouthwash formulation could inhibit both pathogenic microorganisms to varying degrees, with a greater effect observed on Streptococcus mutans than on Candida albicans. When the quantitative data from colony counts were subjected to statistical analysis, no statistically significant differences were found among the mouthwash formulations (p>0.05) in inhibiting both types of microorganisms. Notably, the mouthwash containing 10% probiotic supernatant, 5% propolis and 1% cannabidiol demonstrated a statistically significant inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans (p<0.05). Conclusions: All four mouthwash formulations showed a tendency to inhibit both pathogenic microorganisms, although this was not statistically significant in all cases. The formulation containing 10% probiotic supernatant, 5% propolis, and 1% cannabidiol had the most favorable effect in inhibiting the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans.