COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIBIOTICS, TOOTHPASTE AND PLANT EXTRACTS AGAINST BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM HUMAN GUMS

This study was conducted to find out the effectiveness of some antibiotics, toothpastes, and medicinal plant extracts against the bacterial species isolated from human gums. A total of 125 samples were collected. The male and female patients were with the age from 15-60 years. A total of 27 species were isolated and identified. Among those bacterial species, Streptococcus mutans was most prevalent 29.62%, followed by Lactobacillus acidophilus 22.22%, Streptococcus sobrinus 18.51% and S aureus 14.81% respectively. While Micrococcus spp. 3.7%, Streptococcus sanguinis 3.7%, Actinomyces viscosus 3.7% and Aeromonas were least prevalent. To observe the most effective treatment for gum infections, the isolated strains were subjected to the sensitivity tests against antibiotics, toothpastes and plant extracts. The maximum zone of inhibition formed by Sulfamethoxazole was found against Staph aurus 33mm, while the minimum zone by Amoxicillin was observed against Streptococcus sobrinus (6mm). The maximum zone of inhibition by Toothpaste 1 (Fluoride and salt) was against Micrococcus spp. 34mm. The maximum zone of inhibition by Curcuma longa against S. mutans was 22mm, while the minimum zone by Ajuga bracteosa against S. mutans was 11mm. The data obtained through this study revealed that antibiotics were more effective for the treatment of oral bacterial pathogens as compared to toothpaste and plant extracts with moderate and low activity, respectively. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that use of antibiotics during infection and toothpaste with fluoride and salt contents in daily routine could help in the elimination of bacterial pathogens to maintain oral health.