Effect of a mouthrinse containing Malva sylvestris on the viability and activity of microcosm biofilm and on enamel demineralization compared to known antimicrobials mouthrinses.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial (anti-biofilm) and anti-caries (enamel demineralization prevention) effects of Malva sylvestris (Malvatricin® Plus) compared with known antimicrobial mouthrinses. Microcosm biofilm was produced on enamel, using inoculum from pooled human saliva mixed with McBain saliva (0.2% sucrose) for 14 days. The biofilm was treated with mouthrinses for 1 min day-1. Oral-B® Complete, Listerine® Zero and Malvatricin® Plus had the greatest effect on the reduction of biofilm viability (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, lactic acid production was reduced significantly with PerioGard®, Noplak® Max and Listerine® Zero compared with the control (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found among the mouthrinses with respect to the colony-forming unit counting (total microorganisms, total streptococci, mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) and extracellular polysaccharide production. Enamel demineralization was reduced significantly with PerioGard®, Noplak® Max and Malvatricin® Plus compared with the control (p < 0.0001). Malva sylvestris has a comparable anti-caries effect to chlorhexidine mouthrinses.