Background: Effective mechanical removal of dental plaque can result in reduction and prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases. The habitual use of chewing sticks (Miswak), particularly those derived from the roots of Salvadora persica tree, as an oral hygiene method, is still widely spread throughout islamic countries and other parts of the world.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the volatile antibacterial activity of Miswak from S. persica roots against two representative oral pathogens: the periopathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans (Sm).
Methods: Aa was grown microaerophilically in BHI broth with 10% FCS at 37°C for 72 hours. Sm was grown aerobically in BHI broth at 37°C for 24 hours. Miswak pieces were standardized by size and weight (0.15g), then tested against the above mentioned bacterial suspensions by sticking each Miswak piece on the inner surface of the bacterial suspensions plate cover. Sticky wax alone was used as a control. Samples were taken at time 0 and every 30 minutes, and subjected to ten-fold serial dilutions. Aliquots (10µL) were spread in triplicates on BHI agar plates (for Sm) and on TSBV agar plates (for Aa), and incubated at 37°C for 1–2 days. Colony forming unit value (CFU\mL) was calculated. Each experiment was repeated 3 times.
Results: The Miswak demonstrated bactericidal effect against both types of tested bacteria, while its effect was most pronounced on Aa and less on Sm.
Conclusion: Miswak from S. persica roots contains active volatile bactericidal compounds, effective against Aa and Sm, suggesting a potential role in control of both periodontitis and caries. It has a possible advantage due to its volatile effect, especially in the case of hygienically unreachable sites, such as interproximal dental plaque as well as subgingival plaque.