Project Materials

THE EFFICACY OF THE EXTRACT OF CHEWING STICK ON THE AGENTS OF DENTAL CARRIES ISOLATE

ABSTRACT

The bacterial isolate from the teeth was identified using a standard microbiological procedure. Approximately 0.1ml Aliguot of the 10-2 dilution was aseptically collected in bacteriological media. The results demonstrate that the bacteriological levels discovered in the individual teeth ranged from 40.0 x10-1 to 60.0 x10-1, 41.0 x10-1, 18.0 X 10-1, 20.0 X 10-1, 15.0 x 10-1, and 20.0 x 10-1. The organisms isolated were gram-positive rods and cocci. The antibacterial activity of the chewing stick was determined using isolates obtained from the teeth. The organisms included are gramme positive cocci and gramme positive rods, and the active components from the plant were extracted using the decoction method. The results showed that the chewing stick had activity against gram-positive rods at a concentration of 62.5mg/ml, with zones of inhibition of 7mm and 5mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC mg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC mg/m) were determined to demonstrate that the extract inhibited the growth of the test organism at a MIC of 62.5mg/ml.

Chapter one

Introduction

The use of chewing sticks dates back to ancient times. The Babylonians utilised this type of tooth brushing approximately 7000 years ago (Enwonwu et al., 2002). Many traditional societies do not use plastic-bristled brushes; instead, herbal chewing sticks are commonly used to treat tooth problems.

Chewing sticks’ cleansing efficiency is linked to the mechanical effects of their fibres, which release helpful chemicals, or a combination of both (EL. Said et al, 1976).