Antibacterial activity of fluoride compounds and herbal toothpastes on Streptococcus mutans: an in vitro study

Background Streptococcus mutans is an important bacterial species implicated in dental caries. This laboratory study compared the antimicrobial activity of a number of fluoride containing and herbal dentifrices and their components against S. mutans. Methods An agar diffusion method was used with Mueller–Hinton agar. Wells were filled with either 10 commercial fluoride or 6 herbal dentifrices, or with solutions of various fluoride compounds, sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium benzoate, chlorhexidine digluconate or triclosan. Diameters of zones of bacterial growth inhibition surrounding the wells were measured using a micrometer. Results Significant differences were found for growth inhibition between the 10 fluoridated dentifrices (p