Bacterial growth is the division of one bacterium into two daughter cells, which are genetically identical to the original cell and refers to the number of cells. There are different factors that influence the growth of microbes and this is due to specific enzymes.
Each of these enzymes function best when in the presence of the optimal environmental conditions of temperature, pH, oxygen, redox potential and osmotic pressure and these increase the growth rate of microbes. Microbes obtain almost all their nutrients in solution of surrounding water and in addition, the presence of the listed factors increases this growth.Prevention of growth of microbesThe control of microbial growth is important in the prevention of microbe development and is affected in two ways, by killing microorganisms or by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The control of the growth usually involves physical or chemical agents, which either kill or prevent the growth and are referred to as static agents.Enzymes and InhibitionIn the presence of enzymes, living cells rapidly carry out many biochemical reactions. All enzymes consist of globular proteins, which have the ability to increase the biochemical reactions.
In the mouth, there is an enzyme called salivary amylase, which breaks down and turns starch into a sugar called maltose.If enzyme reactions inside the cell were to continue without regulation, there would be many problems. Cells possess regulatory chemicals, which slow down or stop enzyme catalysed reactions and are called inhibitors. The inhibitors are able to bind to the active site and leave after a time without any product forming. The enzymic reaction is reduced because while the inhibitor is in the active site, no substrate can enter. Substrate molecules compete for the active site so the rate of reaction decreases as the higher the proportion of competitive inhibitor the slower the rate of reaction.
Mouthwash ingredientsMouthwash is a product used to enhance oral hygiene and uses fluoride to protect against tooth decay. The active ingredients in commercial brands of mouthwash include chlorhexidine, thymol, methyl salicylate, menthol, eucalyptol, hexetidine, hydrogen peroxide, calcium, methylparaben and fluoride. Chlorhexidine is highly used in mouthwashes, as it is an antiseptic and disinfectant agent. It is active against various bacteria, viruses, bacterial spores and fungi. It kills the microorganisms associated with various mouth and throat infections as well as other common conditions in the mouth. Chlorhexidine has also been shown to prevent the formation and build up of plaque on teeth via inhibition, which helps prevent inflammation of the gums and therefore is an aid to oral hygiene.
Rationale:I would like to look into the way different commercial mouthwashes are used to help people prevent decay from microbes on their teeth and want to discover the best brand of mouthwash, which helps the most with this prevention. It will help people understand more about mouthwashes and the importance that they have in the commercial industry today.There are different aspects and importance to different people such as the profit made from the selling of the products as well as the hygiene aspect of the people who are interested in looking after their teeth. I am also interested in the way mouthwashes have been used for decades to help in a medicinal way to improve the condition of people's teeth and as it has been used for so long, I would like to see this importance of mouthwash clearly demonstrated with its effects using this investigation.
