Effect of Watermelon Juice Against Oral Microflora - An In Vitro Study

Objectives: INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment are more prone for acidogenic bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus being an acidogenic bacteria tend to survive in an acidic environment. Patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment finds it more difficult to maintain their oral hygiene due to the presence of various attachments on the tooth surface such as brackets, bands, wires, modules etc. The accumulation of plaque and calculus will further modify the oral pH and favour the growth of the bacteria. The aim of the study is to find the Efficiency of watermelon juice against oral bacteria such as Lactobacillus.
Methods: MATERIAL AND METHODS: Known quantity of watermelon is made into juice and is centrifuged in the rate of 300rpm for 15 minutes to obtain clear solution. Three groups of solution were taken in test tubes. One containing clear solution of watermelon, one with the watermelon solution with sucrose and one with saline which acted as control. The solutions are autoclave and used for the study. Fresh suspension of lactobacillus is made and 10 micro litre of the same is added to all the test tubes. After holding period of 24hours, 10 micro litre of the solution is pippetted out into the culture plate and incubated. After incubation period the plates are used for bacterial colony count.
Results: RESULTS: Result showed there is significant decrease in number of bacterial colonies formed in the culture medium containing watermelon juice compared to the control group. When compared with the medium containing watermelon juice and sucrose, the medium with sucrose showed increased bacterial colonies than the medium with plain watermelon solution.
Conclusions: CONCLUSION: Watermelon being an acidic fruit had significant effect against oral acidogenic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and can aid in maintaining oral hygiene for the patient.