Electrolyzed Water Reduces Bacteria in Lab Tests of Infected Root Canals
Bactericidal effect of electrolyzed neutral water on bacteria isolated from infected root canals
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Naoki Horiba, Kouiti Hiratsuka, Takaya Onoe, Tsutomu Yoshida, Kazuyoshi Suzuki, Toru Matsumoto, Hiroshi Nakamura
- Journal
- Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology
- Year
- 1999
- PMID
- 9927086
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 60 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Electrolyzed neutral water keeps its germ-killing properties and stability when stored in the dark and can effectively kill bacteria from infected root canals.
Key Finding
Electrolyzed neutral water killed or inhibited the growth of bacteria isolated from infected root canals while maintaining stable pH and chemical reactivity when stored in dark, closed containers.
Summary
This study tested electrolyzed neutral water—water treated with electricity to change its chemical properties—against bacteria taken from infected root canals (the hollow part inside teeth). Researchers measured how the water's pH (acidity level), oxidation-reduction potential (a measure of its chemical reactivity), and chlorine concentration changed over time when stored in different ways. They then mixed this water with 17 types of bacteria and one fungus to see if it could kill or slow their growth. The water killed or slowed the growth of the bacteria tested, and its chemical properties stayed stable when stored in a dark, closed container, though the chlorine level did decrease slightly.
Practical Takeaway
This research was conducted in a laboratory using isolated bacteria, not in human mouths or bodies, so it cannot yet tell us whether electrolyzed neutral water would be effective or safe for treating dental infections in people. The study suggests the water has antimicrobial properties that warrant further investigation, but much more research—including human trials—would be needed before any health claims could be made.
Abstract (excerpt)
The purposes of this study were to examine the time-related changes in pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and concentration of chlorine of electrolyzed neutral water and to evaluate the bactericidal effect of electrolyzed neutral water against bacteria from infected root canals. Various properties…