A Comparative Assessment of the Antibacterial Efficacy of Licorice Mouth-Rinse with Chlorhexidine on Salivary Streptococcus mutans

BACKGROUND Dental and periodontal diseases are common problems worldwide. Strong association exists between Streptococcus mutans and dental caries. Mouthwashes like chlorohexidine and extracts of medicinal plants like liquorice have antimicrobial properties. The objective of the study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of licorice mouth-rinse with chlorhexidine on salivary Streptococcus mutans. METHODS A randomised control trial was undertaken in the department of Public Health Dentistry, in a tertiary care hospital of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Children of both sexes, aged 7 to 14 years, with high risk of caries and providing willingness were included. The products used were Aqueous and Ethanolic licorice root extract – 15 gm and 375 mg / 10 ml respectively, Chlorhexidine 0.12 %. MIC of the products against Streptococcus mutans was determined. The children were divided into three groups, fifteen in each. Each participant rinsed with 10 ml of the randomly allocated prepared suspension for 1 min. Five saliva samples were collected from each, one pre-rinse and four post-rinse 2 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour and 2 hours after the intervention. Streptococcus mutans colony count and salivary pH was used to study the efficacy of the mouthwashes. RESULTS The study revealed that ethanolic extract of licorice had better antimicrobial efficacy. The efficacy of antimicrobial action of licorice extract at 30 minutes of rinsing and rise in salivary pH by use of both the preparations of licorice was significant as compared to the chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSIONS The antimicrobial and cariostatic efficacy of licorice extracts which was evident in the present study suggests and recommends that licorice can be used as a preventive regimen in clinical practice for diseases of mouth cavity especially dental caries. KEY WORDS Dental Caries, Streptococcus mutans, Licorice, Chlorhexidine, Mouth Wash