Bacterial Endotoxin Released by Different Types of Mouthwash

Endotoxins are part of the outer membrane of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. Mouthwashes or rinses are products used to enhance oral hygiene. In the present study, gram positive and gram negative bacterial isolates were collected and laboratory tests was used to assess the inhibition of growth of oral bacteria by three modern commercially available mouthwashes containing Aloe vera, Peppermint and Orasept. The action of each mouthwash was studied using electron microscopic studies and end-point Microtitre plate. The in vitro liberation of endotoxin was found to be induced with selected types of mouthwash targeted toward, bacterial endotoxin. Specific mouthwash have been classified here as “weak” (peppermint), because a high concentrations is needed to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, or “strong” (e.g. Orasept) where only a low concentration of mouthwash is required.