Antimicrobial effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water on oral microorganisms

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) for use as a mouth-rinse on seven oral pathogens. Methods: In this study, SAEW with a pH of 6.2, oxidation-reduction potential of 728-800 mV, and available chlorine concentration of 30 mg/L was produced by electrolysis using an electrolysis device. The antimicrobial properties of SAEW against seven oral pathogens were determined by the agar diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and mouth rinsing tests. Results: SAEW did not demonstrate any antimicrobial activity (disc diffusion method) against the seven oral pathogens under study. However, SAEW showed potent antimicrobial activity with an MIC value of 0.0075-0.015 mg/mL and a MBC value of 0.015-0.03 mg/mL. Mouth rinsing with SAEW showed 99.9% bacterial inhibition. Conclusions: SAEW exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all oral pathogens causing dental caries and periodontal disease. Therefore, the results of this study suggest that SAEW can be used as an effective mouth-rinse to prevent oral diseases and for oral hygiene management, with potential for commercial application.