Evaluating the Antimicrobial Activity of Commercially Available Herbal Toothpastes on Microorganisms Associated with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

The antibacterial properties of six dentifrices were studied in vitro and concluded that almost all of the dentifrices available commercially had antibacterial properties to some extent to beneft dental health or antiplaque action.

Dentifrice Containing Extract of Rosmarinus officinalis Linn.: An Antimicrobial Evaluation

“…Dentifrices containing plant extracts have been investigated and administered for a number of years in different countries (1,21). Although previous studies have already addressed the antimicrobial activity of rosemary on S. mutans, creation of a toothpaste with a defined therapeutic dose of rosemary (as the only antimicrobial agent in the formula) is a novelty.…”

“…Those authors concluded that dentifrices containing triclosan or a combination of herbal extracts were the most effective for inhibiting the growth of this bacterium. Jenner et al (1) found that the growth of S. mutans was also inhibited by the action of five herbal toothpastes: (Colgate Herbal ® -Colgate-Palmolive, São Paulo, SP, Brazil), Babool ® (Dabur, Kaushambi, New Delhi, India), Meswak ® -Dabur), Neem Active ® (Sattiva Cosméticos, Aparecida de Goiânia, GO, Brazil) and Dabur RED ® (Dabur), leading the authors to suggest in vivo studies on the subject. Gupta et al (24) evaluated the anti-plaque efficacy of a commercially available herbal dentifrice compared to conventional fluoride toothpaste and found a significant reduction in mean plaque index scores in subjects of both groups.…”

“…Indeed, studies on this topic have intensified the last ten years (1). Aromatic and medicinal plants can be used to cure human and other animal diseases, so natural compounds derived from plants should be investigated in order to obtain a better understanding of their properties as well as the safety and efficiency of their clinical use (2).…”

Effect of Neem (Azadirachta indica) on the Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Dairy Manure

“…Neem trees are grown extensively for their shade in India, for firewood in Ghana, and for reforestation in West Africa [ 9 ]. For centuries, neem twigs were used as teeth cleaning devices [ 9 ] as they are effective as antiplaque and anti-gingivitis agents [ 10 ] and thus some commercial herbal toothpastes contain neem as an active ingredient [ 11 ]. Water extracts of neem twigs inhibited growth of dental caries organisms Streptococcus mutans, S. salivarius, S. mitis , and S. sanguis [ 12 ].…”

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Some Commercial Toothpastes

“…Bacteria in biofilms (variety of bacteria embedded in a polysaccharide matrix) just as plaques are known to be less sensitive to antimicrobial agents. However, the sensitivity of dentifrices is increased upon plaque removal (using a brush) as shown by Jenner et al (2013). Persistent dental plaque is at high risk for the development of dental and periodontal diseases (Mogammad et al, 2011).…”