A study on the virulence traits of Streptococcus from dental caries, its tolerence to mouthwashes and clove extract Growther Lali*, Rekha R., Hemashenpagam Department of Microbiology, Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, Coimbatore – 28 (TN), India *Email: lalijps@yahoo.co.in
Online published on 26 February, 2013. Abstract The mutans streptococci comprise a group of seven species of which Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the predominant species isolated from human saliva and dental plaque (Loesche, 1986). Clinically the reduction in mutans streptococcal counts not only reduces the caries increment, but may also reduce the probability of transmission of mutans streptococci from mothers to their young children (Emilson, 1994; Kohler and Andreen, 1994). The present investigation was aimed at the following objectives: Isolation of Streptococcus mutans and S.sobrinus from dental caries patients and to study their virulent properties. Effect of mouth washes like chlorhexidine, benzydamine and sodium fluoride on Streptococci showed that chlorhexidine is an effective mouthrinse. As a natural remedy, antibacterial activity of clove extracts were analysed. Ethanolic extracts of clove showed higher antibacterial activity. Top Keywords Dental caries, Mutans streptococci, Mouthwashes, Clove extract, Oral rinses. Top |