Efficacy of Extracts from Indigenous Chewing Twigs Against Streptococcus Mutans- An In Vitro Study

摘要

Chewing twigs of the magnifera indica (Mango), acacia nilotica (Black Babool), azadirechta indica (Neem) tree is common way of cleaning teeth in the rural and semi -urban population. These twigs are also believed to posses medicinal properties. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of these chewing sticks on Streptococcus mutans, which is the main causative microorganism in causing caries. An additional objective was to identify inexpensive, simple, and effective method of preventing and controlling dental caries. Disc diffusion method was used to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of mango, black babool, neem against Streptococcus mutans. Chlorhexidine was used as a control. The zones of inhibition were measured at 24 and 48 hours to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of the extracts.