Brushing Teeth vs. Mouthwash (Tested)

Summary

In this educational video, the presenter conducts an experiment to compare the effectiveness of mouthwash and toothpaste in reducing oral bacteria. Using tryptic soy agar petri dishes, they swab their mouth after eating chocolate to collect samples, then test the control, brushing, and mouthwash methods. The results show that while mouthwash reduces bacteria, toothbrushing is significantly more effective, especially in removing plaque. The video also touches on toothpaste's ability to neutralize acids that cause cavities, concluding that brushing is the superior oral hygiene method.

Takeaways

• 🧐 The video compares the effectiveness of mouthwash and toothpaste in reducing oral bacteria.
• 🔬 The experiment uses tryptic soy agar petri dishes to grow bacteria from mouth swabs.
• 🍫 The subject consumes a milk chocolate candy bar before bed to promote bacterial growth.
• 🌙 Bacterial samples are collected after not cleaning teeth overnight to establish a control.
• 🪥 Day two involves brushing teeth for two minutes before swabbing, as recommended by the ADA.
• 💧 Day three has the subject using mouthwash for two minutes before swabbing.
• 📉 The control experiment shows more bacteria in the back of the mouth than the front.
• 🦠 Mouthwash reduces but does not eliminate bacteria, especially the biofilm or plaque.
• 🪥 Toothbrushing significantly reduces bacteria more than mouthwash alone.
• 🕒 Extended mouthwash use (four minutes) shows some effectiveness in reducing plaque.
• 🏆 In conclusion, brushing teeth is more effective for oral hygiene than mouthwash alone.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video described in the script?

The main purpose of the video is to compare the effectiveness of mouthwash and toothpaste in cleaning the mouth and reducing bacteria.

What type of bacteria is the video focusing on?

The video focuses on gram-positive bacteria, specifically streptococcus mutans, which is a common bacteria found in the oral cavity.

How does the experiment in the video simulate a real-life scenario?

The experiment simulates a real-life scenario by having the participant eat a milk chocolate candy bar before bed without cleaning their teeth afterward, allowing bacteria to grow overnight.

What method is used to collect bacterial samples in the video?

Bacterial samples are collected by swabbing three different areas of the participant's mouth: front teeth, back teeth (molars), and gums on the left side.

What is the significance of using tryptic soy agar petri dishes in the experiment?

Tryptic soy agar petri dishes are used to grow bacteria that has been swabbed from the mouth, and this particular growth media selects for gram-positive bacteria.

How long does the participant use mouthwash in the initial experiment?

In the initial experiment, the participant uses mouthwash for two minutes.

What is the surprising result observed in the control plate culture?

The surprising result is that the back teeth have more bacteria than the front teeth, which is attributed to less frequent brushing in that area.

Why does the video suggest that mouthwash may not be as effective as toothpaste?

Mouthwash may not be as effective as toothpaste because it cannot remove plaque, which is a layer of bacteria that has colonized and formed a biofilm on teeth.

What additional function does toothpaste have that mouthwash does not?

Toothpaste neutralizes acid secreted by bacteria, which helps prevent cavities by counteracting the lactic acid that eats away at the calcium in teeth.

What was the outcome of the experiment where the participant used mouthwash for a longer period?

Using mouthwash for a longer period (four minutes total) showed a drop in bacteria, suggesting that mouthwash may be somewhat effective in reducing plaque when used for extended periods.

Why was the six-minute mouthwash experiment not conducted?

The six-minute mouthwash experiment was not conducted because the participant started to feel an intense burning sensation in their mouth by the fourth minute.

What is the conclusion of the video regarding the best way to clean one's mouth?

The conclusion of the video is that brushing one's teeth is the best way to clean the mouth, as it is more effective and time-efficient than using mouthwash.