International Journal of Drug Development and Research

To The Editor

oral bacteria are the primary etiologic agents that cause dental caries/plaque. Bacteria have evolved to survive in the environment of the tooth surface, gingival epithelium, and oral cavity. Acidogenic oral bacteria like streptococcus mutans, streptococcus salivarius,Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis and lactobacillus acidophilus primarily causes dental caries/plaque that surround orthodontic appliances in many patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment [1]. Such bacteria can lead to tooth enamel breakdown and potential discoloration of the tooth surface, and these aesthetic changes can persist for many years after orthodontic treatment[2, 3]. Natural products derived from plant source are found to be highly efficient in eradicating the dental caries/plaque found in fixed orthodontic appliances patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

We read a recent publication on the invitro antibacterial activity of Acacia catechu heartwood extract against oral microbes. the study revealed the potency of A.catechu extract in treatment of the dental caries/plaques caused mainly by streptococcus mutans, streptococcus salivarius and lactobacillus acidophilus [4],the finding is very interesting. Recently many herbal extracts were tested against the acidogenic oral bacteria and found to be effective in management of dental plaque, However the active constituent responsible for the antibacterial activity should be identified by phytochemical analysis. Similar study was conducted on Aesculus hippocastanum against oral microbes that causes dental caries/plaque. the study suggest the A.hippocastanum ethanolic extract is effective in eradicating the dental plaque caused by cariogenic organism like streptococcus mutans, streptococcus salivarius ,streptococcus mitis,streptococcus sanguis and Lactobacillus acidophillus[5].

Vanka A et al also conducted a study on Azadirachta indica mouthwash against the salivary levels of streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophillus. He concluded that Azadirachta indica mouthwash as an effective agent in eliminating the dental caries/plaques with or without alcohol and chlorhexidine since antiquity[6] .

Beukes an orthodontist conducted an invitro study on the antimicrobial activity of phytomedicine against acidogenic oral bacteria on eight medicinal plants like Hydrastis Canadensis, Cyclopia Intermedia, Hypericum perforatum, Ginkgoaceae, Passiflora incarnata, Achillea Millefolium, Arciosiaphylos uva-ursi and Artemisia absinthium against S. mutans, S. sobrinus, L. casei and A. naeslundii involved in dental demineralisation., acetone, ethanolic, hexane form of extract were used.The control treatments were chlorhexidine and fluoride. His findings concludes that The herbs with activity that ranges of 0,04-0,3 mg/ml includes Ginkgoaceae, Achillea Millefolium, Passiflora incarnata, Arciosiaphylos uva-ursi and Hypericum perforatum. The acetone extracts showed significant inhibition zones against S.mutans, L.casei and S.sobrinus when compared to ethanolic and hexane extract.[7]

Hence with all the evidence based scientific studies we conclude that the herbal products like Acacia catechu willd,Aesculus hippocastanum, Azadiractha Indica, Achillea millifolium, Passiflora incarnata, Arciosiaphylos uva-ursi,Hypericum perforatum and Ginkgoacea were proved as an effective agents for the prevention of dental caries/plaques caused primarily by streptococcus mutans, streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Moreover, these herbal extracts can also be applied in the fixed orthodontic appliance patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to eradicate the dental plaques that usually seems to be difficult to get removed.

Conflict of Interest: NIL

Source of Support: NONE

References

1. Chang HS, Walsh LJ, Freer Tj The effect of orthodontic treatment on salivary flow, pH, buffer capacity, and levels of mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Australian Orthodontic Journal 1999;15:229-234.
2. Diamanti-Kipioti A, Gusberti FA, Lang NP Clinical and microbiological effects of fixed orthodontic appliances. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 1987;14:326-333.
3. Atack NE, Sandy jr ,Addy M Periodontal and microbiological changes associated with the placement of orthodontic appliances. A review. Journal of Periodontology 1996;67:78-85.
4. Geetha R.V ,Anitha Roy ,Lakshmi.T “In vitro evaluation of Anti bacterial activity of heartwood extract of Acacia catechu on oral microbes”.International journal of current research and review vol.3 issue 6 june 2011.
5. Anitha Roy,Geetha RV, Lakshmi.T .Invitro antibacterial activity of Aqueous and Ethanolic extract of Aesculus hippocastanum on oral microbes.Asian journal of pharmaceutical and clinical Research.Vol4 issue 4 Oct-Dec 2011(article in press)
6. Vanka A et al The effect of indigenous Neem Azadirachta indica mouth wash on Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli growth. Indian J Dent Res. 2001 Jul-Sep;12(3):133-44.
7. Invitro Antimicrobial activity of phytomedicine against acidogenic oral bacteria available at https://iadr.confex.com/iadr/safdiv04/preliminarypr ogram/abstract_52172.html