Introduction to a Healthier Mouth
A new study has found that a herbal mouthwash can selectively kill bad bacteria in the mouth while preserving the good strains. This is a significant discovery, as conventional mouthwashes have been found to kill both good and bad bacteria indiscriminately, potentially damaging gum tissue.
The Importance of Good Oral Bacteria
Evidence is growing that good oral bacteria play a crucial role in our overall health. Research has linked disturbances in the oral microbiome to a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and schizophrenia. It is therefore important to preserve the good bacteria in our mouths, while eliminating the bad.
The Study
A team of researchers from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine conducted a study to compare the effects of a herbal mouthwash with those of conventional mouthwashes. The herbal mouthwash, StellaLife VEGA Oral Rinse, contains a blend of natural ingredients, including azadirachta, calendula, echinacea, and plantago. The researchers tested this mouthwash against two conventional mouthwashes, PerioGard and Listerine, as well as a saline control.
Methodology
The researchers applied each mouthwash to specific oral bacterial cultures, including Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus gordonii, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. They then assessed the growth of the bacteria and the effectiveness of the mouthwashes against biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that can adhere to surfaces and resist antibiotics and the immune system.
Results
The study found that the herbal mouthwash exhibited a selective antimicrobial action, inhibiting the growth of disease-causing bacteria such as F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis, while sparing beneficial bacteria such as S. oralis, S. gordonii, and V. parvula. In contrast, the conventional mouthwashes killed both good and bad bacteria indiscriminately. The herbal mouthwash also showed minimal toxicity to human gum cells, while the conventional mouthwashes caused significant cell death.
Limitations and Future Directions
While the study’s findings are promising, there are some limitations to the research. The study was conducted in a laboratory setting, and the results may not translate to real-world conditions. Additionally, the exact mechanism by which the herbal mouthwash selectively kills bad bacteria is not yet understood. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of the herbal mouthwash and to determine its long-term safety and efficacy.
Conclusion
The study’s findings suggest that a herbal mouthwash may be a safer and more effective alternative to conventional mouthwashes. By preserving the good bacteria in our mouths, we may be able to promote overall health and well-being. As the study’s lead author, Georgios Kotsakis, notes, "Randomized clinical trials are the next step" in determining the safety and efficacy of herbal mouthwashes. In the meantime, individuals who are looking for a more natural approach to oral hygiene may want to consider using a herbal mouthwash as part of their daily routine.
