Isolation of Streptococcus mutans causing cavities and study of the inhibition of this bacteria by some common medicinal plants

Abstract

The aim of this study is the selection of some folk medications which can inhibit the Streptococcus mutans causing cavities. The authors isolated 139 strains from 153 dentin caries collected at the National Hospital of Odonto- Stomatology in HCM City. Based on the characteristic colonies on the MSB selective medium (Mitis Salivarius Agar supplemented with sucrose and bacitracin), resulting of stained Gram and biochemical assay, there are 66 strains of S. mutans. Examination of antimicrobial resistance levels of 66 isolates and S. mutans ATCC 25175 (control) isolates and tested seven common plants in folk such as Eichchornia crassipes, Polygonum aviculare, Sauporus androgynus, Phyllanthus urinaria, Pogostemon cablin, Areca catechu and Camellia sinensis proable antimicrobial. The results showed that Polygonum aviculare had the highest antibacterial activity against S. mutans and its chloroform extract show the strongest effect.