Effect of Plant Chewing Stick Extracts on Certain Cariogenic Activities of S . mutans

Background & objectives: Chewing sticks have been used for centuries to improve dental health and promote oral hygiene worldwide. Several studies have reported the antimicrobial effects of Chewing sticks on oral bacteria. The present study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of some Indian chewing sticks (Acacia arabica, Azadirachtaindica, Pongamiapinnata and Salvodorapersica) on cariogenic activities of S. mutans, responsible for the formation of dental caries. Methods: The chemical composition of different chewing sticks was studied. The effect of aqueous extracts on the growth, biofilm formation, hydrophobicity, cell-cell adhesion and acid production by the organism was investigated. Results: The activity of glycosyltransferase, the key enzymes of sucrose metabolism was inhibited by aqueous extracts of chewing sticks. The growth of S. mutans was also impaired by plant extracts in vitro, which yielded MIC of the order of 1580 (Acaciaarabica, Salvodorapersica), 2360 (Pongamiapinnnata) and 2500 (Azadirachtaindica) μg/ml, respectively. The plant extracts also reduced biofilm formation, hydrophobicity and acid production by the organism under in vitro conditions. Acaciaarabica and Salvodorap ersica were more efficient in inhibiting the bacterial growth compared to Pongamiapinnnata and Azadirachtaindica. Interpretation and conclusions: The present data suggest that plant extracts of the chewing sticks inhibit cariogenic activity of S. mutans, which may have potential application in the prevention and cure of dental caries.