Traditional Medicinal Plant Extracts and Natural Products with Activity against Oral Bacteria: Potential Application in the Prevention and Treatment of Oral Diseases
Figure 1
The development of tooth decay. (a) Initial adhesin-mediated attachment of mutans streptococci; (b) aggregation mediated by synthesis of extracellular polysaccharide; (c) metabolism of carbohydrates results in acid production, leading to demineralization and cavitation of the tooth. Plant extracts and phytochemicals have been demonstrated to inhibit any or all of these stages. That is, cidal activity against cariogenic bacteria, inhibition of adherence/aggregation/biofilm formation and inhibition of glycolytic acid production.
