In vitro screening of Chinese medicinal toothpastes: their effects on growth and plaque formation of mutans streptococci.

Many plant extracts or derivatives have been incorporated into commercial toothpastes to treat oral diseases related to caries or periodontal diseases in China. However, no information is available concerning their in vitro effects on oral bacteria. Thirty-one Chinese medicinal toothpastes were selected for this study. Their ability to inhibit growth, in vitro plaque formation and glucosyltransferase (GTF) activity of Streptococcus sobrinus B13 and Streptococcus mutans 3209 were examined. Eighty-seven percent of the tested toothpastes inhibited the growth of the mutans streptococci, with zones ranging from 0.8 to 2.5 cm. At 10 mg/ml, 74% of the toothpastes inhibited in vitro plaque formation by S. mutans. Among these, 60% completely suppressed water-insoluble glucan synthesis from sucrose by GTF. Based on data obtained from our study, the incorporation of natural plant products or their derivatives into dentifrices seems a feasible means of promoting oral health and controlling dental diseases.