The anti-adherence effect of Lippia sidoides Cham: extract against microorganisms of dental biofilm

Abstract

Most illnesses affecting the oral cavity are proven to have infectious origin. Several categories of chemical agents have been used in the chemical control of dental biofilm through strategies that aim at reducing bacterial adhesion and inhibiting the growth and the proliferation of microorganisms on the tooth surface. The use of plants in folk medicine and in Dentistry, as well as the spread of successful cases, has led to scientific exploration, resulting in chemical-pharmacological knowledge of thousands of plants. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-adherence activity of Lippia sidoides Cham., comparing the results with those of 0.12% chlorhexidine by means of an in vitro simulation of dental biofilm. The studied bacterial strains were Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Lactobacillus casei, main responsible for the biofilm adherence. The studied extract was effective in inhibiting the adherence of Streptococcus mutans up to a concentration of 1:16, compared to Chlorhexidine. Lippia sidoides Cham extract showed anti-adherence effect on the major microorganisms responsible for dental biofilm consolidation.