Does Mint have Antifungal and Antibacterial effect

Abstract

Introduction: Patients undergoing fixed appliance treatment have many attachments on their teeth that act as an active site as plague retention sites for the attachment of food particles and subsequently microorganisms which later cause caries and periodontal diseases Orthodontic patients have an increase in the microorganisms because of the active sites for the plaque accumulation. Almost all conventional mouth freshners contain alcohol and fluoride, which are toxic (even lethal) if used in large amounts. This is often not the case with natural herbal mouth rinses. Mouth rinse comes into direct contact together with your mucosa and may be absorbed directly into your bloodstream. Mint which is a perennial plant has antimicrobial property and can be used as a mouth wash for these patients. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of aqueous extracts of Mint on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans by evaluating their zone of inhibition. Methodology: Cell suspension with 108 cells were prepared using candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. Using sterile micro tip, wells were made which was about 8mm in diameter. Lawn culture was made on appropriate media.