Abstract
Oral diseases caused by various microorganisms are common around the world. Scientific research has now been focusing on novel medicines to overcome bacterial resistance and antibiotics side effects; therefore, the current study was designed to assess the efficacy of certain antibiotics, toothpaste, and medicinal plant extracts (Ajuga bracteosa and Curcuma longa) versus the bacterial pathogens isolated from the human oral cavity. A total of 130 samples were collected from Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, Pakistan, among those 27 species isolated, and eight bacterial species were identified from the samples. Among all the bacterial species, Staphylococcus aureus (29.62%) and Proteus mirabilis (22.2%) were found to be more prevalent oral pathogens. In comparison, the least pervasive microbes were Proteus vulgaris, Shigella sonnei, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila. The study also suggested that dental problems were more prevalent in males (41-50 years of age) than females. Among the eight antibiotics used in the study, the most promising results were shown by Foxicillin against A. hydrophila. The survey of TP1 revealed that it showed more potent antagonist activity against Proteus vulgaris as compared TP2 and TP3 that might be due to the high content of fluoride. The Curcuma longa showed more significant activity than Ajuga bracteosa (Stem, leaves and root) extracts. The data obtained through this study revealed that antibiotics were more effective for oral bacterial pathogens than toothpaste and plant extracts which showed moderate and low activity, respectively. Therefore, it is suggested that the active compounds in individual medicinal plants like Curcuma longa and Ajuga bracteosa could replace the antibiotics when used in daily routine as tooth cleansers or mouth rinses.
Highlights
The human mouth serves as the best habitat for numerous bacterial species due to its alkaline condition, favourable to most bacteria and fungi
The study aimed to check the antimicrobial activity of some antibiotics prescribed by the dentists, including a few popular toothpaste brands and two plant extracts believed to be effective against certain diseases
We found that males were more affected than female patients and the possible reason could be the frequent use of Naswar, locally-made cigarettes and beetle nuts etc. which are mostly used by males in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province
Summary
The human mouth serves as the best habitat for numerous bacterial species due to its alkaline condition, favourable to most bacteria and fungi Many of these microbes are involved in developing oral diseases (Gholizadeh et al, 2016). Human oral Streptococci, are known to be the first microorganisms to colonize the over the mouth surfaces and are dominant among other microorganisms in the oral cavity These microbes have lately drawn scientists’ interest as they are involved in certain systemic diseases, including endocarditis, brain haemorrhage, certain infections, intestinal inflammation, and autoimmune disorders. The current study was aimed to assess the best practice to maintain oral health For this purpose, the efficacy of various antibiotics, medicinal plant extracts and locally available toothpaste were checked against bacterial strains isolated from the patients’ oral cavity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
