A CLINICAL STUDY ON ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF TOOTHPASTES AGAINST DENTAL PLAQUE AND CARIES CAUSING BACTERIA

The present study was carried out to evaluate antibacterial activity of toothpastes, which were available in local market. A total 15 samples were collected for isolation of cariogenic bacteria. The bacterial strains were isolated by using selective Medias and identified on the basis of cultural, morphological, biochemical characteristics. The bacterial strains resistant to various choosen antibiotics subjected to action of toothpaste. Aqueous solutions of toothpastes were tested against dental caries bacteria. The distilled water suspension of toothpastes were found to has remarked antibacterial properties.in the current study total 7 brands of toothpastes used and labeled as T1-T7.The effectiveness of toothpaste was reported based on zone of growth inhibition against cariogenic bacteria. Toothpastes T3and T7 showin g broad spectrum of action against antibiotic resistant strains of Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus. And Lactobacillus spp.T1 is also effective against all selected strains of cariogenic bacteria. But T1 was comparatively less effective as compared to T3and T7. T3and T7 toothpastes are herbal. Other selected toothpaste T2, T4, T5 and T6 are ineffective against cariogenic strain of Streptococcus spp. This study shown herbal toothpastes have more antibacterial activity against selected strains of antibiotic resistant cariogenic bacteria like., To reduce the dental problem herbal based toothpastes should be recommended. Keywords: Cariogenic bacteria, dental plaque, dental Carie, Toothpaste.