Electrolyzed Water Reduced Harmful Bacteria in Lab Tests
Antibacterial effect of electrolyzed water on oral bacteria
Research hubs: Digestive System
- Authors
- Sung-Hoon Lee, Bong-Kyu Choi
- Journal
- Journal of Microbiology
- Year
- 2006
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Participants
- 16
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- South Korea
TL;DR
Electrolyzed tap water, known as Puri-water, was found to effectively kill bacteria on toothbrushes and in the mouth when used as a mouthwash.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed water significantly reduced the growth of major disease-causing oral bacteria in laboratory tests, on toothbrushes, and in human saliva compared to regular tap water.
Summary
Researchers tested whether water that had been electrically treated (called electrolyzed water or Puri-water) could kill harmful bacteria found in the mouth. They tested it on bacteria in lab dishes, on contaminated toothbrushes, and as a mouthwash in 16 people. The electrolyzed water significantly reduced the growth of disease-causing bacteria compared to regular tap water, both in the lab tests and in people's saliva.
Practical Takeaway
This early-stage study suggests electrolyzed water may have antibacterial properties useful for oral hygiene, but important limitations apply: the human trial involved only 16 people with no control group, the study duration was not reported, and long-term safety and effectiveness in real-world use remain unknown. More rigorous human studies would be needed before drawing conclusions about its practical benefits for dental health.
Abstract (excerpt)
This study investigated the antibacterial effect of electrolyzed water on oral bacteria both in vitro and in vivo. Tap water was electrolyzed in a water vessel using platinum cell technology. The electrolyzed tap water (called Puri-water) was put in contact with five major periodontopathogens…