Effect Of Some Indigenous Nigerian Chewing Sticks On Oral Bacterial Flora N. A. Olasupo, d. D. Moro and S. I. Smith

SUMMARY

Background: The use of chewing sticks for cleaning of teeth and oral hygiene is common practice in Africa

Methods: An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial activity of selected local chewing sticks extracts commonly used in Nigeria for mouth cleansing and oral hygiene was tested against four oral bacteria, which included Streptococcus mitis, S. sanguis, S. salivarius and Streptococcus mutans.

Results: Among the ten selected chewing stick extracts, Serindean warnekei and Vernonia amygdalina, had the highest and similar bactericidal activity at concentrations of 1%(v/v), while Fagara zanthoxyloides showed the least inhibitory effect on the bacteria tested at 50% (v/v). Similar inhibitory activity was observed when the bark and the whole stick extracts of all plant species were examined. Streptococcus salivarius exhibited the highest resistance to plant extracts examined in this study. Streptococcus mutans from both decayed and non-decayed teeth exhibited high susceptibility patterns to the plant extracts.

Conclusion: The study highlights the potentials of our indigenous chewing sticks in oral hygiene. Niger Med J. 2003; Vol 44 (3): 60 -63.

KEYWORDS: Chewing sticks, Oral bacteria, Antimicrobial activities