Efficacy of chlorhexidine and sanguinarine mouthrinses on selected salivary microflora

The antibacterial effects of chlorhexidine and sanguinarine on selected salivary microflora were evaluated in 15 healthy young adults. The experiment was performed in a cross-over manner enabling both mouthrinses and the saline control to be tested on all 15 subjects for periods of one week separated by three week intervals. The total bacterial count and selected bacterial genera were followed in saliva samples taken just before the first rinse, and on three occasions after the last rinse. Statistically significant reductions in the salivary levels of S. mutans and S. salivarius were obtained with chlorhexidine but not with sanguinarine, and rinsing twice a day with sanguinarine, according to the manufacturer's instructions, did not significantly reduce the total bacterial count. Additional well controlled, longer-term studies are required before any firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the effect of sanguinarine on salivary microorganisms.