Chemistry of Mouthwash

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eclara
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:06 pm
Occupation: Student: 11th grade
Project Question: My project is to test remedies for "bad breath". Eating garlic and counting colonies in agar with 1% concentration.

1. What are the chemistry and biology aspects of this experiment? Certain topics/concepts that I can research?
2. What is the type of bacteria in our mouth?
3. Is inoculation required? It's not something students can do at home. Solutions?
4. Would the colonies be distinct and easily counted? And after what period(s) of time should I count?

Thank you in advance.
Project Due Date: Project presentation due March 19th. Would like to finish experiment by March 14th
Project Status: I am just starting

Chemistry of Mouthwash

Post by eclara »

Antiseptic ingredients in mouthwash are methyl salicylate, thymol, and alcohol. How do they kill bacteria in the mouth? I would like some sites or answers about the chemistry of it, perhaps about pH changes, molecular structures, redox, etc.
I already know that alcohol denatures the bacteria's proteins and dissolves their lipids. But if you have any additional information, please reply.

Thank you for your help in advance!
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ScienceExpert123
Former Expert
Posts: 102
Joined: Sat Sep 20, 2008 9:26 am
Occupation: Student
Project Question: n/a
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Chemistry of Mouthwash

Post by ScienceExpert123 »

methyl salicylate= a salt
thymol= an alcohol
isopropanol= an alcohol

the salt basically dehydrates the bacteria, killing them
the alcohols kill bacteria by penetrating the cell wall and compromising the integrity of the proteins that make up a single bacterium

http://www.associatedcontent.com/articl ... teria.html
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eclara
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:06 pm
Occupation: Student: 11th grade
Project Question: My project is to test remedies for "bad breath". Eating garlic and counting colonies in agar with 1% concentration.

1. What are the chemistry and biology aspects of this experiment? Certain topics/concepts that I can research?
2. What is the type of bacteria in our mouth?
3. Is inoculation required? It's not something students can do at home. Solutions?
4. Would the colonies be distinct and easily counted? And after what period(s) of time should I count?

Thank you in advance.
Project Due Date: Project presentation due March 19th. Would like to finish experiment by March 14th
Project Status: I am just starting

Re: Chemistry of Mouthwash

Post by eclara »

But would rubbing alcohol and alcohol in mouthwash work the same way?
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eclara
Posts: 16
Joined: Tue Mar 02, 2010 9:06 pm
Occupation: Student: 11th grade
Project Question: My project is to test remedies for "bad breath". Eating garlic and counting colonies in agar with 1% concentration.

1. What are the chemistry and biology aspects of this experiment? Certain topics/concepts that I can research?
2. What is the type of bacteria in our mouth?
3. Is inoculation required? It's not something students can do at home. Solutions?
4. Would the colonies be distinct and easily counted? And after what period(s) of time should I count?

Thank you in advance.
Project Due Date: Project presentation due March 19th. Would like to finish experiment by March 14th
Project Status: I am just starting

Re: Chemistry of Mouthwash

Post by eclara »

Never mind! I've figured it out.
Thank you very much for the link and information. It has helped me tremendously.
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