Streptococcus Mutans Colonies Research Articles

Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Potassium Iodide Solutions on the Anti-Caries Properties, Surface Hardness, and Bond Strength of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer in Dentin

This study evaluated the effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and potassium iodide (PI) on carious dentin. The antibacterial efficacy, surface hardness, and bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI) were assessed. Dentin specimens were prepared and subjected to artificial caries formation. The antibacterial effect of SDF/PI was compared to sodium fluoride varnish using Streptococcus mutans colony counts. Surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness test. Shear bond strength of RMGI to treated surfaces was evaluated after thermocycling. Results showed that SDF/PI had superior antibacterial effects compared to NaF varnish. Surface hardness significantly increased one week after SDF/PI application. While SDF/PI treatment did not immediately affect RMGI bond strength to carious dentin, delayed bonding after one week significantly improved bond strength. These findings suggest that SDF/PI is effective in arresting caries and enhancing remineralization of carious dentin. The study also indicates that delaying restoration placement for one week after SDF/PI application may be beneficial for improving bond strength. This research provides valuable insights into the clinical application of SDF/PI for caries management and subsequent restorative procedures.

A Comparative Study of Salivary Streptococcus Mutans Count Before and After Probiotic Intervention in Multi-bracket Fixed Orthodontic Patient Group-an In-vivo Study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study aims to investigate the effect of regular probiotic toothpaste on salivary Streptococcus mutans in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. METHOD: 21 Patients prescribed fixed orthodontic therapy were selected for the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected from each patient in the study at four points of time: 1) T0 - Before bonding stainless-steel multi-brackets. 2) T1 -12 weeks after fixed orthodontic treatment (Colgate TM toothpaste). 3) T2 - 12 weeks after probiotic toothpaste intervention. 4) T3 - 12 weeks after Colgate TM toothpaste usage. At each time point, salivary Streptococcus mutans colonies and salivary pH were noted. RESULTS: The findings showed an increase in the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans count from T0-T1, T1-T2, & T2-T3. There was a decrease in the salivary pH from T0-T3. There was a significant negative correlation between the number of salivary Streptococcus mutans colonies count and pH at all 4 time points. The higher the colony count, the lower the pH. Further, the correlation was strongest at T3, followed by T2, T1, and T0. CONCLUSION: The usage of probiotics had a significant effect neither on Streptococcus mutans nor on pH. Further, probiotics failed to maintain their impact following the stopping of their usage.

Efficacy of BioMin F and NovaMin toothpastes against streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

ObjectiveThis in vitro study was accomplished to demonstrate the antibacterial efficacy of BioMin F and NovaMin toothpastes against the recently-isolated Streptococcus Mutans in comparison with a commonly used fluoride toothpaste.Materials and methodsDental plaque collection method was adopted to isolate streptococcus mutans in children with dental caries. Then an ideal Streptococcus Mutans colony was incubated in 20 Petri dishes that contained Mueller-Hinton medium. Each dish had 3 wells; one well for each toothpaste (BioMin F, NovMin, and Signal) to perform the agar diffusion test. After incubating for 24 hours, the inhabitation zone around each well of each Petri dish was noticed and measured. Statistical Analysis was achieved using a statistical package, SPSS Windows version 17, by applying Kruskal-Wallis with Mann–Whitney U test (α = 0.05).ResultsBioMin F showed the highest mean of inhibition zone diameter (x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 2.67 mm) in compared with NovaMin and Signal (x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 0.39 mm and x¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\bar{x}$$\\end{document} = 2.19 mm; p < 0.001 in each pairwise comparison).ConclusionBioMin F toothpaste showed superior antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans to Signal and NovaMin toothpastes. Novamin showed the lowest antibacterial effect. This in vitro study suggests that BioMin F toothpaste shows encouraging potential to be recommended as a preventive measure to reduce the caries risk.

Decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacterial colonies after administration of sentul fruit peel extract gel (Sandoricum koetjape) in gingivitis model of white Wistar rats

Link of Video Abstract: https://youtu.be/NpcREsYIlEE Introduction: Sentul fruit peel extract (Sandoricum koetjape) has the ability to bacterium Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus after administration of Sentul fruit peel extract gel on gingivitis model white Wistar rats. Utilization of extracts from the skin of sentul fruit (Sandoricum koetjape) as well as the proper use of natural sources will have an impact on the prevention and healing of gingivitis. The study aimed to determine the decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonies after administration of nano gel of sentul fruit peel extract in the gingivitis model of white Wistar rats. Method: study design with experimental animal models. The data obtained by the One-Way ANOVA test and if the effect is significant continue with Duncan's test at the 5% level. Result: There was a decrease in the number of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria colonies after administration of Sentul fruit peel extract gel in the gingivitis model of white Wistar Rats. The best gel concentration was Sentul peel extract gel 2.4% with the smallest number of bacterial colonies, Staphylococcus aureus colonies of 2.2 x 102 ± 1.9 x 101 colony forming unit (cfu) and the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies of 2.6 x 102 ± 1.2 x 101 CFU. Conclusion: Sentul fruit peel extract 2.4% effectively inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus Aureus in white Wistar rat models with gingivitis.

Comparison of the Antifungal and Antibacterial Effects of Cloves and Fluconazole Solution on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Colonies

Comparison of the Antifungal and Antibacterial Effects of Cloves and Fluconazole Solution on Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans Colonies

Effect of Chlorhexidine and Tea Tree Oil on Reducing the Number of Oral Microorganisms.

Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of using two preoperative mouthwashes (0.12% chlorhexidine and 0.2% tea tree oil) on the number of colonies of oral microorganisms. Forty participants who needed to be rehabilitated with dental implants were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups (chlorhexidine group and tea tree group; n = 20, each). For each group, saliva samples were collected at four different times: T0 (initially)-before using the mouthwash, T1-after 1 minute of using the mouthwash, T10-after 10 minutes of using the mouthwash, and T60-after 60 minutes of using the mouthwash. At T0 and T1, saliva samples were collected before implant placement surgery, and at T10 and T60, saliva samples were collected during surgery. In each group, one saliva sample was collected at each evaluated time point for each patient, totaling 4 saliva collections per patient. MSB agar (Mitis-Salivarius-Bacitracin) and BHI agar (Brain Heart Infusion) culture media were used in each group. Microbial colony counts were performed using a magnifying glass and recorded in CFU (colony forming units)/mL. Statistical analyses were performed using the Friedman, Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests (p < 0.05). Based on MSB agar culture medium, at T0, the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in the chlorhexidine group was significantly higher compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; MSB agar). The chlorhexidine group showed significantly lower CFU/mL values for Streptococcus mutans at T1, T10, and T60 compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; MSB agar). Based on BHI agar culture medium, at T0, the chlorhexidine group showed a significantly lower value of CFU/mL compared with the tea tree group (p < 0.05; BHI agar). At T1, T10, and T60, the chlorhexidine group showed significantly lower CFU/mL values compared with the tea tree group (p <0.05; BHI agar). Chlorhexidine is more indicated as a preoperative mouthwash than tea tree oil, due to its significantly more effective antimicrobial action.

Efektivitas Ekstrak Kulit Pisang Kepok (Musa Paradisiaca L) Terhadap Candida albicans dan Streptococcus mutans Sebagai Pembersih Basis Akrilik Gigi Tiruan Lepasan

Background: Banana peels are always thrown away because they are considered items that cannot be eaten or reused, but recent study prove that it contains effective ingredients that can be used as antibacterial and antifungal agent. Kepok banana peel (Musa paradisiaca L) can kill and inhibit certain types of bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of banana peel extract (Musa paradisiaca L) as a denture cleanser on the removable denture acrylic plate. Methods: This is an experimental laboratory using 48 denture acrylic plates, size 10x10x2 mm. Kepok banana peels were extracted by maceration technique to concentration of 25%, 50% and 75% and used aquadest as control group. Moreover, 24 acrylic plates in each group that cultured by Candida albicans ATCC (American Type Culture Collection) 10231 dan dan Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 were soaked into four solutions (6 plates in each treatment), then total colony was counted by the Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The data was analyzed by computerized by one-way Annova with posttest only-control group design. Results: Reducing the amount of Candida albicans was most effective at a concentration of 75% with an average of 62.33 ± 25.91 (p=0.000), meanwhile the 50% concentration was the most effective on Streptococcus mutans with an average of 0.43 ± 0.41 (p=0.035). Conclusion: Kepok banana peel extract had an good effect on reducing the number of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans colonies on the removable denture acrylic plates.

Effect of Drinking Water Fluoride on Gingivitis and Caries: A Study in Peat and Non-Peat Land: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.

Humans get fluoride from food and water available in their environment. The source of clean water in peatlands comes from rainwater with a low mineral content, especially fluoride. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between the fluoride level in drinking water and salivary fluoride levels, as well as their potential impact on dental and oral health conditions. It is a causal-comparative study with a cross-sectional approach at the Health Polytechnics of Pontianak and Yogyakarta. The population were indigenous people in peat land (Pontianak) and non-peat land (Yogyakarta). The data were pH and mineral content in drinking water, saliva, the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies, dental caries rates, and gingivitis. Drinking water fluoride is only significantly correlated with salivary fluoride on non-peat land. If these data are combined, it can be seen that drinking water fluoride is positively correlated (P < 0.05; CI 95%) with pH water, fluoride water, and pH saliva. Increased levels of fluoride in drinking water were negatively correlated with gingivitis, dental caries, and S. mutans. Drinking water fluoride is negatively correlated with dental caries and gingivitis in peatland and non-peatland communities, but would be significantly associated with dental caries and gingivitis if both peatland and non-peatland data were analyzed together. This is due to the low content of fluoride in the drinking water of peatland. Therefore, it is necessary to add fluoride gel to the teeth to prevent the development of dental caries.

Evaluation of the Effect of Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash on Streptococcus Mutans as Compared with Chlorohexidine in A Group of Egyptian Children

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of Tea tree oil mouthwash on salivary Streptococcus mutans count in a group of children compared to chlorhexidine. Materials and methods: 24 children from both sexes participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 8 to12 years. Participants were divided into 2 groups (1&2), each group included 12 children. Group 1: every child was given a bottle of prepared tea tree oil mouthwash (0.2%) for rinsing. Group 2: every child was given a bottle of chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12 %) for rinsing. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and microbiological analysis was done. Results: There was a significant reduction in the mean number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in both tea tree oil and chlorohexidine groups. Conclusion: Tea tree oil mouthwash has significant antimicrobial activity and could be utilized as a natural substitute to chlorhexidine

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Tea Herbal Mouth-wash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash Against Streptococcus mutans in Dental Plaque - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Aim Several chemical agents can alter the profile of oral microflora but can cause undesirable effects on oral tissues. Green tea Camellia sinensis contains adequate amounts of catechins and polyphenol compounds. It has demonstrated antibacterial antioxidant anti-inflammatory antiviral antimutagenic and anticaries properties.The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available 0.5 green tea herbal mouthwash with 0.2 chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque samples of school children. Methods This clinical trial was conducted including thirty healthy cooperative children who were randomly divided into two groups Group A 0.2 Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Group B 0.5 Green tea mouthwash. Baseline and day 15 post-rinse plaque samples were collected. Streptococcus mutans colony counting was done on day zero and on day 15 and the results were compared statistically.Results Within the group paired t-test analysis showed a significant reduction p lt0.05 of Streptococcus mutans counts from baseline to post-rinse in both 0.2 chlorhexidine 1.68plusmn0.63 95 CI -1.45 to 1.77 and green tea 0.5 1.54plusmn0.16 95 CI - 1.37 to 1.69 groups. Between groups independent t-test analysis did not show any significant difference both at baseline and post-rinse p gt0.05.Conclusion Both 0.2 chlorhexidine mouthwash and green tea 0.5 mouthwash were equally efficient in reducing S. mutans counts. However 0.2 Chlorhexidine mouthwash was marginally better. Green tea mouthwash has the advantage of being non-staining having no taste disturbance and having good participant compliance.

Association between metabolic control and oral health in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundType 1 diabetes mellitus is the most common chronic disease and can be reflected in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of metabolic control on saliva, dental caries, dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and cariogenic bacteria in saliva.MethodsA case–control epidemiologic study was performed on children with type 1 diabetes (ages 10–15 years) separated into two groups: 34 children with good metabolic control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c < 7.5%) and 46 children with poor metabolic control of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c > 7.5%). Oral status was assessed using the Decay, Missing, and Filled Teeth index for permanent teeth (DMFT), plaque index and gingival index. The stimulated salivary flow rate was measured, and the colonies of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus in saliva were determined. The observed children answered questions related to their frequency of brushing habits, dental visits and parents’ education. Mann–Whitney U Test, Chi-Square test and Fisher’s exact test were used in the statistical analyses. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.ResultsThe children with diabetes with poor metabolic control had significantly higher values of the DMFT index, plaque index, and gingival index, more colonies, and a higher risk of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus than the children with diabetes with good metabolic control (p < 0.001). The level of metabolic control of diabetes had no influence on salivary flow rates (p > 0.05). The majority of both groups with good and poor metabolic control brushed their teeth once per day, and they visited the dentist only when necessary (61.3%). However, the parents of children in both groups had medium to low levels of education, without any significant difference between groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results indicate that children with diabetes have a lower level of oral hygiene and are potentially to dental caries and periodontal diseases, mainly when their metabolic disorder is uncontrolled.

COMPARISON OF ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF HERBAL TOOTHPASTE AND FLUORIDE ON THE GROWTH OF Streptococcus mutans

Background: Streptococcus mutans was the most dominant bacteria in caused caries. Caries could be prevented by chemical plaque control methods used toothpaste. Toothpaste had antibacterial properties by helped to prevent bacteria from colonized. There were two antibacterial ingredients in toothpaste, fluoride and herbal ingredients. &#x0D; Aim: Determined the antibacterial effect of toothpaste with herbal and fluoride content on the growth of Streptococcus mutans. &#x0D; Methods: This study was an experimental study with a post-test only control group design. This research method was a diffusion method by means of wells. The sample used was the Streptococcus mutans colony. The study was divided into four groups, namely herbal toothpaste, fluoride toothpaste, positive control (chlorhexidine), and negative control (aquadest sterile) which were replicated 16 times in each group. The results of this study was the diameter of the resistance zone. &#x0D; Results: The average diameter of the zone of inhibition results obtained 12.49 mm (herbal toothpaste), 14.66 mm (fluoride toothpaste), 21.70 mm (chlorhexidine) and aquadest sterile there were no inhibition zones. There was a significant difference with the p value

Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration of beluntas leaf ethanol extract against streptococcus mutans

bjective: The purpose of this study was to determine the exact values of MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) and MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) of beluntas leaf extract against Streptococcus mutans colonies.&#x0D; Material and Methood: This study used Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and ethanol extract of beluntas leaves with concentrations: 250 g/ml, 125 g/ml, 62.5 g/ml, 31.3 g/ml, 15.6 g/ml, 7.8 g /ml, 3.9 g/ml and 1.95μg/ml. This study used two methods, Broth Microdilution and Total Plate Count techniques as the designated method for the purpose of counting bacteria. Furthermore, the data analysis test was carried out to analyze normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. If the data distribution shows normal, then one way ANOVA parametric test is performed to determine the significance between the beluntas leaf extract and the number of streptococcus mutans bacteria, which will then be further examined using the Post-Hoc Test with the Tuckey method to find out which dataset is the most significantly different in among others.&#x0D; Results: The beluntas leaf extract showed significant bacterial properties against Streptococcus mutans (P-Value = 0.00) which was expressed through definite MBC and MIC values. The results showed that the MIC and MBC values were 62.5 g/ml and 125 g/ml, respectively against Streptococcus mutans colonies.&#x0D; Conclusion: The conclusion of this study was that the ethanol extract of the leaves of beluntas (Pluchea Indica L) showed antibacterial properties as indicated by the MIC value at a concentration of 62.5μg/ml and the MBC at a concentration of 125μg/ml against streptococcus mutans.

The Effect of Pimpinella Anisum and Origanum Vulgare Extracts Against Streptococcus Sanguinis, Streptococcus Mutans, and Streptococcus Salivarius.

Statement of the Problem: There are global efforts for introducing a new herbal antimicrobial agent with minimal side effects. There are some reports about the antimicrobial properties of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare.Purpose: In this study, the antimicrobial properties of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare have been assessed.Material and Method: In this experimental in vitro study, the dental plaque samples were collected from children aged 3 to 5 years old who were referred to a private dental office with diagnosis of dental caries. After determination of the bacterial colonies of Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus salivarius, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Pimpinella anisum and Oregano vulgare were measured by macrodilution and microdilution methods.Results: The mean MIC and MBC of Pimpinella anisum extract and Oregano vulgare extract and their combination against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus salivarius were statistically different (p< 0.001). The combination of these extracts showed the lowest MIC and MBC.Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of the Pimpinella anisum and Oregano Vulgare were effective antibacterial agent against Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, and Streptococcus sanguinis so the combination of these two extracts showed the highest antibacterial properties on all the bacteria evaluated.

Comparison of flax seeds extract and fenugreek seed extract rinse against streptococcus mutans colonies

Objective: To compare flax seeds extract and fenugreek seed extractrinse against streptococcus mutans colonies Study setting: The bench work of this preclinical experimental study was carried out at Baqai Medical and Dental College Karachi., from December 2021 to January 2022. Materials and Methods: It was a preclinical experimental study. Participants were divided into 4 groups randomization was performed in allocating the groups of participants. Film of plaque from labial surface of teeth of study participants was collected on sterile strips before and after the 2 hours of intervention. The extract preparation of both the plants and culture of S. mutantcolonies were performed as per standard protocol. The extract was diluted at 1:4 for rinsing and study participants were given the rinses according to their groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS v. 22 Results: The growth of colonies was calculated on growth media plates in samples prior to rinsing and samples that were taken after the rinsing. The pre and post samples showed significant (p-value &lt;0.05) decrease in number of colonies in positive control group (conventional rinse), flax seed extract group and fenugreek seed extract group as shown in table 1. The intra group comparison of negative and positive control showed significant difference in number of colonies and same was observed with the both the extract rinses. However, the positive control and flax seed extract and fenugreek seed extract comparison was insignificant that highlighted the equal potential of herbal extracts in reducing the streptococcus mutans colonies. Conclusion: Flax seeds extract and fenugreek seed extract mouth rinses reduced the number of colonies equally as that of commercially available mouth rinse. Keywords: Flax seed extract, Fenugreek Seed Extract, Rinse, Antibacterial, streptococcus mutans

Maltitol based sugar-free chocolates may not promote dental caries: An open-label clinical study

Background: Sugar substitutes like maltitol are reported to be noncariogenic ingredients and may not lead to the development of dental caries (DC), in contrast to sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of maltitol-based sugar-free chocolates on factors associated with DC. Methods: This was an open-label study involving healthy human volunteers. A total of 15 healthy human subjects were screened and enrolled in the study after obtaining their signed informed consent. The subjects were administered the test product, maltitol-based sugar-free chocolate, which contains no added sugar (sucrose). Sucrose was completely replaced with the sweeteners maltitol (minimum 45%) and steviol glycoside (0.05%). Salivary pH was measured using a digital pH meter at baseline and 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h after test product consumption. The saliva samples were collected for measurement of Streptococcus mutans colonies at baseline and at 0 h and 4 h after test product consumption. The data were subjected to two-sided tests, at a 5% level of significance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) 9.4 software (SAS Institute Inc., NC Cary). Results: A statistically significant increase in the salivary pH level from the baseline at 0 h measurement (p = 0.0181) and a reduction in S. mutans formation from baseline to 0 h and 4 h, respectively (p = 0.0001) were noted. Conclusion: Maltitol-based sugar-free chocolates were found to be safe for consumption and were devoid of cariogenic potential.

CHEWING XYLITOL CANDY AND PROBIOTIC CANDY ON THE GROWTH OF DENTAL PLAQUE AND NUMBER OF COLONY OF STERPTOCOCCUS MUTANT BACTERIA

Background: Caries or cavities is a disease in the hard tissue of the teeth characterized by damage to enamel and dentin caused by the metabolic activity of bacteria in plaque which can cause demineralization due to the products of microorganisms. Xylitol gum and probiotics can be used to reduce the plaque index and the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of chewing gum containing xylitol and probiotics on plaque growth and to determine the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies in students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Sultan Agung Islamic University. Method: This study used an experimental research method with a randomized posttest only control group design used 30 respondents divided into 3 groups, namely the xylitol, probiotics, and sugar groups. Each group had a good oral hygiene index (OHIS) and then checked the plaque index and the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies before and after chewing gum for 1 minute. Data were analyzed in the Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Sultan Agung Islamic University. Data were analyzed using paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. Result: The p value &lt;0.05 or there was no significant decrease in each group. Conclusion: There is an effect of chewing gum containing xylitol and probiotics on the number of Streptococcus mutans and plaque index, but there is no significant difference between the plaque index and the number of Streptococcus mutans colonies.

THE EVALUATION OF Streptococcus Mutans COLONIZATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOL NURSERY-KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN's TOOTHBRUSH AT DIYARBAKIR REGION

AIM: Disinfection of the toothbrush is an essential parameter for oral hygiene. As a result, especially children can not clean their toothbrushes sufficiently after brushing their teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accumulation level of Streptococcus mutans colonization at private school nursery-kindergarten children's toothbrushes and evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine solution in four weeks for disinfection. METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Two hundred thirty-four private school nursery-kindergarten children were selected for this study, who's aged between 24-72 months. These selected children for this study did not have any dental, antibiotic, antimycotic treatment in the last three months. Before the study, a survey was conducted about parents' education, employment, the income. A pediatric dentist made an oral examination of these children, dental caries, fillings, and missing teeth were determined. Children were divided into two groups; toothbrushes, toothpaste, and practical solutions distilled water and %0,12 chlorhexidine gluconate solution was given in a bottle for four weeks. In addition, the toothbrushes of children were collected every week. After incubation, Streptococcus mutans colonization was evaluated under stereomicroscope. All the collected data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The DMF-T scores were statistically significant when evaluated with parents' education and income (p&amp;lt;0,05), but there was no statistical relationship between parents' employment and DMF-T scores (p0,05). Streptococcus mutans colony reduction at the Chlorhexidine group was statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0,05). CONCLUSION: From the first brushing, toothbrushes can be contaminated with bacteria. If the toothbrushes are not clean sufficiently, the bacteria taken from the oral environment have a chance to form a colony on the toothbrushes with the effect of moisture. In addition, Streptococcus Mutans is a bacteria that can stay on toothbrushes and cause re-infection. This study shows that toothbrush disinfection is essential to prevent bacteria from re-infection and contamination of oral flora.

Antibacterial Activity of Flax Seeds Extract Rinse against Streptococcus mutans Colonies

Background: Flax seeds has health-potentiating medicinal benefits due to the presence of a remarkable amount of bioactive compounds. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of flax seeds against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae has been documented. Therefore, the current study current aims to investigated the antibacterial activity flax seeds extract rinse against Streptococcus mutans colonies&#x0D; Methodology: It was a preclinical experimental study and sample size was n = 60. The participants were given an envelope for group randomization. Film of plaque from labial surface of teeth of study participants was collected on sterile strips that was transported to laboratory for culture in sterile containers. For culture S. mutant samples were inoculated in Columbia Agar. The flax seeds extract was diluted in distilled water in 1:4 (Extract: Distilled water) concentration. And participants were divided into 3 groups. (negative control, positive control, flax seed extract group). Diluted flax seed extract was given to experimental group for rinses, distilled water was given to negative control group and positive controls were given a commercially available mouth rinse. Next sample of plaque was collected after two hours to observe the effects of flax seed extract on bacterial colonies.&#x0D; Results: The growth of colonies was calculated on growth media plates in samples prior to rinsing and samples that were taken after the rinsing. The pre and post samples showed significant (p-value &lt;0.05) decrease in number of colonies in positive control group (conventional rinse) and flax seed extract group.&#x0D; Conclusion: Flax seeds extract mouth rinse reduced the number of colonies equally as that of commercially available mouth rinse.

Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacies of 0.2% Chlorhexidine and 4% Tulsi Extract in the Decontamination of Child Toothbrushes: An Observational Analytical Study.

ABSTRACTAims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 0.2% chlorhexidine and 4% tulsi extract as toothbrush decontaminants.Materials and Methods:Of 100 children, who attended the outpatient unit of Department of Pediatric dentistry, 81 children, who satisfied all the inclusion criteria were subjected to systematic sampling, after arranging them in the alphabetical order and were grouped into three. The first child came under Group I, second under Group II, third under Group III, fourth one again under Group I, and so on till the 81st child. In the baseline phase, the children were provided precoded toothbrushes and toothpastes and instructed to place those brushes to be put after use, in single-use glasses. After obtaining the baseline value of Streptococcus mutans colony count, the participants of Group I was given 0.2% chlorhexidine, Group II was given 4% tulsi extract, and distilled water for Group III, to be used as toothbrush decontaminants for 5 days. The toothbrushes were then collected back, and were subjected to microbial analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann–Whitney U test with P < 0.05.Results:All test solutions, 0.2% chlorhexidine and 4% tulsi extract, except for distilled water, showed a statistically significant reduction of S. mutans count. There was no statistical difference between the efficacies of 4% tulsi extract and 0.2% chlorhexidine, although the latter showed a better reduction.Conclusion:Tulsi extract may well be a perfect replacement to chlorhexidine for reducing the S. mutans count in the child toothbrushes.