Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

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!

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

But would rubbing alcohol and alcohol in mouthwash work the same way?

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