Abstract
Background: Controlling the dental biofilm is one of the major approaches to reducing dental caries and periodontal diseases. With the increase in the prevalence of microbial resistance to conventional antiseptics and antibiotics, attention is now turning to the use of natural antimicrobial compounds. In this study we assess antimicrobial effects of Mentha spicata and Eucalyptus camaldulensis essential oils and chlorhexidine against Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus pyogenes with a particular focus on in vitro. and in vivo biofilm formation. Methods: The essential oils were analyzed by GC and GCMS. In vitro and in vivo antimicrobial and biofilm preventing activities of the oils were studied. Results: Fifteen and twenty one compounds were identified in the essential oils of M. spicata and E. camaldulensis respectively. Minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the M. spicata and E. camaldulensis oils were found to be 4000 and 2000 ppm and those of chlorhexidine (2%) were 8000 and 1000 ppm for both S.mutans and S.pyogenes respectively. Decimal reduction time of S.mutans by M. spicata and E. camaldulensis oils at their MBC levels was 2.8minutes while cholrhexidine showed longer time to completely kill S.mutans. D value of S.pyogenes exposed to the MBC levels of M. spicata and E. camaldulensis oils and of chlorhexidine were 4.3, 3.6 and 2.8minutes respectively. Eucalyptus oil was themost effective agent inhibiting biofilm formation. Antibacterial and in vivo biofilm preventive efficacies of all the concentrations of eucalyptus oil were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than Mentha spicata oil and chlorhexidine. In conclusion, essential oils are capable of affecting biofilm formation. Conclusion: Essential oils may find a role in the development of novel anticaries treatments.
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