Dr. Vrushali Pulate, Shahana Salar, Sanket Jawal, Harsha Vardhan Reddy Peddayelluka, Rukmender, Sagarla Akshay kumar and Pothugunta Shravani
Aim: To study the antibacterial efficacy of combination of essential oils (EOC) consisting of Clove oil, Cinnamon oil, Turmeric oil and Neem oil against dental caries pathogens S. mutans and L. acidophilus with different concentrations and at different time intervals. Material and Methods: Antibacterial efficacy of dental caries microbes was studied to determine the effectiveness of combination of essential oils at reducing bacterial growth of S. mutans and L. acidophilus using selective enrichment media. The antimicrobial activity of EOC was determined by the standard serial dilution by pour plate technique. Essential oils such as clove oil, cinnamon oil, turmeric oil, neem oil were of food grade (edible). Results: EOC showed 96.2% reduction of S. mutans at a concentration of 100 μl after 4 minutes whereas 96.8% reduction of L. acidophilus at 50 μl after 4 mins. Conclusions: It is obvious that present study has revealed the importance of EOC to control caries causing S. mutans and L. acidophilus. This scientific information can serve as an important platform for the development of inexpensive safe and effective natural medicines. The long-range goal of this study is to develop a consumable agent in oral hygiene products.