Objective

. To determine the effect of sodium bicarbonate mouthwash (1.1%) on salivary pH and oral microflora.

Materials and methods

. A prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental type study was carried out, which had a sample of 30 pre-clinic students from the dental school of the National University of the Altiplano de Puno (Peru), of both sexes. Divided into three groups to whom the use of mouthwashes was indicated having as active ingredients: 1.1% sodium bicarbonate, 0.12% chlorhexidine and distilled water respectively. Saliva samples were collected before and after rinsing, to evaluate the effect on salivary pH, and samples from the back of the tongue to evaluate the oral bacterial load. For data analysis, the student’s t test was used for related samples, with a significance level of 95%, in the SPSS Ver.17 program.

Results

. It was detected that the effect of the sodium bicarbonate buffer after its application as mouthwash, going from a pH of 6.47 to 7.97 showing significant differences before and after its application (p <0.05). Likewise, bacterial growth after the application of sodium bicarbonate decreased by 47.32% (p <0.05), evidencing antibacterial effectiveness.

Conclusions

. It was found that sodium bicarbonate mouthwash has a significant effect on salivary pH stabilization and an antimicrobial action on oral microflora, potentially inhibiting cariogenic microorganisms.