Efficacy of Chewing Sticks Extract on the Agent of Dental Carries Isolates

Abstract

The preferred part or parts are cleaned with water to remove dirts then cut to a convenient length which varies from 15-30 cm long and tied into a bundle. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of chewing stick on the biological agents of dental carries isolates. Aqueous extracts of five different chewing stick Fagaraxanthoxyloides pako ata, Vernonia amygdalina pako ewuro, Anogeissus leiocarpa pako ayin, Azadirachta indica pako dogoyaro, Prosopis africana mesquite from different location-Sango, Gbawojo market in Saki Oyo State, were tested against isolated microorganisms from the plaque sample of five different individuals of dental carries without previous antibiotic history. The colonial, morphological microscopic and biochemical identification of the isolates were also performed. All the extracts from the selected chewing stick showed good antimicrobial activity against all the isolated microorganisms. It was observed that extract from Anogeissus leiocarpa at 500 mg/ml showed a maximum zone of inhibition (27 mm) against Klebsiella while extract of V. amygdalina at 500 mg/ml produced a maximum zone of inhibition of (28 mm) against Streptococcus but extract of Fagaraxanth oxyloides exhibited a maximum zone of inhibition (27 mm) against E. coli and extract of Azadirachta indica and Prosopis africana produced a maximum zone of inhibition of (23 mm and 33 mm) respectively at 500 mg/ml. The present study confirmed the use of these Chewing stick in oral hygiene since their potential anti plaque effect is likely to complement the mechanical plaque removing property of chewing sticks. The results of the study possess inhibitory potentials against bacteria present in dental plaque mainly on aerobes. Chewing stick could be recommended in community for oral health program because they are readily available and cheaper.