The number of bacteria in saliva samples was determined by collecting the saliva, making serial dilutions, and inoculating nutrient agar by the pour plate method. The plates were incubated aerobically for 48 hours at 37C.
Bacteria per ml Saliva
Before Using After Using Mouthwash Mouthwash
Mouthwash 1 13.1 x 10^6 10.9 x 10^6
Mouthwash 2 11.7 x 10^6 14.2 x 10^5
Mouthwash 3 9.3 x 10^5 7.7 x 10^5
What can you conclude from these data? Did all the bacteria present in each saliva sample grow?