[The effect of zinc chloride mouthwashes on caries-inducing plaque streptococci. 1. In vitro research on the antimicrobial efficacy of zinc chloride on reference strains of Streptococcus mutans (BHT), Streptococcus sanguis (HKop) and Streptococcus salivarius (NCTN 8618)].

The antimicrobial efficiency of zinc chloride solution in concentration from 0.1% to 2.0% and 0.2% chlorhexidine solution has been examined on the strains of reference in a comparative study. Three test methods were applied: the agar diffusion test, the dilution test and the suspension test. As was to be expected the antibacterial effect of the zinc chloride solution was dependent on concentration. Between 0.1% and 2.0% the zinc chloride solution showed a bacteriostatic effect on the strains of reference only; the application of higher concentrated solutions is not indicated intraorally. 0.2% chlorhexidine solution showed a bactericidal effect on the test germs.