The role and efficacy of herbal antimicrobial agents in orthodontic treatment

To assess the effect of herbal antimicrobial agents on Streptococcus mutans count in biofilm formations during orthodontic treatment. We calculated the growth inhibition of oral bacteria in the orthodontic appliances after herbal antibacterial agents were placed in culture media. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of these agents on Streptococcus mutans growth were determined. After cultivating colonies of Streptococci in biofilm medium with these herbal antimicrobial agents and orthodontic attachments, viable cell counting was performed from the bacteria which were attached on them. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of morphology was observed on bacterial cells which were attached to orthodontic attachments. The effects of these agents were then evaluated and recommendations were forwarded. There was an increase in count of Streptococcus mutans with respect to the herbal antibacterial agents. Despite the antibacterial functions of these herbal agents, there was increase in the biofilm formation caused by Streptococcus mutans to orthodontic bands, which had occurred most likely through upregulation of glucosyl transferase expression. These extracts may thus play an important role in increased bacterial attachment to orthodontic wires. Thus, this study was corroborative of an amalgamation of Ayurvedic therapy and Orthodontic treatment.