Abstract
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Dental caries (derived from the Latin word -"caries" which stands for decay) also referred to as tooth decay or cavities, are decayed areas of the teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. It is a term that refers to both the disease and the resulting lesion. It is caused by a combination of factors, mainly tooth -adherent cariogenic (decay-causing) bacteria, primarily Streptococcus mutans that makes acids in your mouth, which attack the tooth 's surface or enamel. It is one of the most common oral health problems in the world. Almost 100% of adults are affected by dental caries.Bioactivity of different parts of 3 herbal plants (Amomum subulatum, Elettaria cardamomum and Sapindus mukorosi) was evaluated by agar well diffusion against three bacterial (Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus acidophilus)and two fungal (Candida albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) pathogens causing dental caries . The objective was to search for novel natural extract/s with the potential to cure/prevent dental caries. For extraction, 3 organic solvents (e.g. ethanol, methanol and acetone) and aqueous (hot and cold water) were used for each plant part. The zone of inhibition produced by an extract against a pathogen, both bacteria and yeast) was used as a parameter for the antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity was found to be variable in different solvents as well as different parts against the 5 tested pathogens. Lactobacillus acidophilus was found to be resistant to all the tested extracts. Antimicrobial activities in 10 mouth washes and 15 tooth pastes tested against dental caries pathogens revealed Hexidine as the most effective mouth wash followed by Chlohex and Triguard. Synergistic bioactivity of purified extracts, tooth pastes, mouth washes and saliva against the tested pathogens suggests that the a novel product/tooth paste could be exploited commercially to protect/ treat oneself from the dental caries.
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