Comparison of the Antibacterial Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essence with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash against Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus Acidophilus

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Dental caries is the most common and chronic disease of the oral cavity worldwide. Streptococcus mutans and
Lactobacilli are the most important etiological agent of dental caries. The aim of the present study was to compare the antimicrobial effect of Zataria multiflora essence with chlorhexidine (CHX) on the growth of streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus).
Material and Method: In this in vitro study, the standard strains of S. mutans (PTCC = 1683) and L. acidophilus (PTCC: 1643) were
obtained as lyophilized ampoules. Zataria multiflora essence was extracted using the Clevenger apparatus. Serial dilutions of 0.2% CHX and Zataria multiflora essence were prepared. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of CHX and essence of Zataria multiflora were determined using the modified Epsilometer test. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and SPSS version 18. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The MIC levels of 0.2%CHX and Zataria multiflora for S. mutans and L. acidophilus were (0.00125,0.01) and (0.005,0.04) mg/ml,
respectively. The antibacterial activity of CHX (0.2%) was more than Zataria multiflora essence. The antibacterial activity of 0.2% CHX and Zataria multiflora against S. mutans was more than L. acidophilus.
Conclusion: Chlorhexidine is more active and effective against S. mutans and L. acidophilus strains compared with Zataria multiflora
essential oil.