Effects of Probiotic Strains and Meswak on Oral Pathogenic Bacteria

Methods: Plaque samples were collected from the oral cavity of persons with a high caries index and cultured. Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were isolated. The Salvadora persica (Meswak) plant (in raw and extract forms) as well as Lactobacillus rhamnosus B-445, Enterococcus faecium B-2355, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium bifidum were obtained and applied to the isolated oral pathogenic strains.

Results: The Meswak plant had a marked inhibitory effect on both Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis counts. The raw plant had a better effect than its extract on both pathogenic bacteria. Also, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which is a type of probiotic bacterium, had a marked inhibitory effect on the colonization of both Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Conclusion: From the results of this study, we conclude that there is promising evidence that the Meswak plant and some probiotic strains could be beneficial in the prevention of dental caries and periodontal diseases. However, more research is needed to develop innovative biotechnology-based probiotic products tailored to promote health and prevent specific diseases. Moreover, further research is needed to investigate the role of probiotic bacteria on oral pathogenic bacteria in vivo.