Microbiological Evaluation of Herbal Extracts against in Early Childhood Caries Patients: An Study.

Purpose: The current literature proposes a probable role of in its etiopathogenesis in early childhood caries (ECC). This study aimed to isolate species in children with and without ECC and compare the antifungal efficacy of neem, miswak, cinnamon, clove, stevia, and ketoconazole. This study also aimed to assess and compare salivary pH in children with and without ECC.

Materials And Methods: A total of 60 children were included in the study, who were divided into two groups-group I (children with ECC) and group II (children without ECC). Plaque samples were collected and streaked on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). isolates were evaluated, and their susceptibility to herbal agents was tested and compared. Saliva samples were collected, and salivary pH was tested and compared.

Results: The presence of was significantly higher in group I (76.7%) as compared to group II (23.3%). The mean zone of inhibition for neem was 4.9 mm, whereas, for miswak, it was 4.5 mm; for cinnamon, 9.3 mm; for clove, 3.8 mm; for stevia, 10.9 mm; and for ketoconazole it was 21.09 mm. The mean salivary pH for group I was 6.7, and that for group II was 7.3.

Conclusion: ( carriage in children with ECC was significantly higher than in children without ECC. All herbal agents showed significant antifungal activity, with stevia showing the highest activity. The average salivary pH of children without ECC was slightly higher than that of children with ECC.

How To Cite This Article: Siddaiah SB, Sinha S, BR A. Microbiological Evaluation of Herbal Extracts against in Early Childhood Caries Patients: An Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):26-30.