The effect of a poly-herbal plant extract on the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to tooth enamel

Background: Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavity formation, is one of the world’s most widespread dental conditions. It is a plaque-related infection caused mainly by Streptococcus mutans. People have relied on several plant species to treat oral infections; Heteropyxis natalensis, for example, has been used to treat toothache and gum infections. Methods: In this study, the antimicrobial and anti-adherence properties of H. natalensis and Camellia sinensis, as well as tea tree and peppermint essential oils were investigated on tooth enamel. Results: The bacterial load of S. mutans was reduced by approximately two orders of a magnitude after 48 h, with a lesser extent on the commensal bacteria, Lactobacillus paracasei. Scanning electron micrographs of enamel blocks showed a reduction in the attachment and chain formation of S. mutans and degraded cell morphology. Lastly, the combination and each component individually, showed low to no cellular toxicity when tested on human macrophages. Conclusions: This is the first report of this polyherbal regarding its selectivity and potential prevention of dental caries.