Anti-Microbial Activity of Hempseed Oil and Sage Oil against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans: An In-Vitro Study

Objective: To assess the anti-microbial activity of sage oil and hempseed oil against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Material and Methods: The sage oil and hempseed oil in pure extract form were collected from an authorized government organization. The anti-microbial activity from the oils was assessed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Standard antibiotics Vancomycin and Fluconazole were taken as a positive control for Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, respectively. The mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours by HI-MEDIAs antibiotic zone scale. One-way Analysis of variance with Tukey’s Post Hoc was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The mean zone of inhibition of sage oil and hempseed oil at 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours against Streptococcus mutans was (7.0 ± 4.24, 9.1 ± 3.71 and 8.4 ± 3.02) and (0.0, 3.2 ± 0.75, 1.9 ± 1.24) respectively. The zone of inhibition against Candida albicans 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours for sage oil (2.80 ± 1.151, 6.70 ± 1.30 and 6.30 ± 1.44), hempseed oil (0.0, 3.80 ± 0.75, 3.10 ± 0.41). Sage oil presented potential anti-microbial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Comparing the anti-microbial efficacy, standard antibiotic (Vancomycin/Fluconazole) was more effective than test oils. Conclusion: Test oils showed anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Among these, sage oil showed efficacy at 24 hours, while hempseed oil did not show any effect at this time point. Further studies are needed to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different forms and concentrations

Efficacy of finger toothbrush in plaque removal in a group of preschool children: A randomized controlled study

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of plaque removal by using finger toothbrush among a group of preschool children by their mother/caretaker. Materials and methods: Thirty healthy preschool children were enrolled in the study, their mother/caretaker were provided finger and manual toothbrushes and were asked to use these brushes on alternative days for 3 weeks in order to achieve optimum dexterity with both the brushes. The subjects were recalled with their mother/caretaker, after having abstained from all oral hygiene practices for 48 hours and they were divided into two groups. A single calibrated examiner assessed all the study subjects to measure amount of plaque using Silness and Loe plaque index, before and after the tooth brushing with allotted toothbrush. The mothers/caretakers were also questioned about the comfort and convenience in using the brushes provided in the study. Results: Only 27 study subjects had returned along with their mother/caretaker for intervention Finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush groups, consisted of total 10 males and four female subjects, and eight males and five female subjects respectively. The mean plaque scores before tooth brushing for finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush were 1.43 and 1.29 respectively, and after tooth brushing 0.22 and 0.16 for the finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush respectively. Higher mean plaque index score was recorded for finger toothbrush compared to manual toothbrush but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Finger toothbrush was able to remove plaque as efficacious as manual toothbrush in preschool children of 3 to 6 years of age

Efficacy of finger toothbrush in plaque removal in a group of preschool children: A randomized controlled study

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of plaque removal by using finger toothbrush among a group of preschool children by their mother/caretaker. Materials and methods: Thirty healthy preschool children were enrolled in the study, their mother/caretaker were provided finger and manual toothbrushes and were asked to use these brushes on alternative days for 3 weeks in order to achieve optimum dexterity with both the brushes. The subjects were recalled with their mother/caretaker, after having abstained from all oral hygiene practices for 48 hours and they were divided into two groups. A single calibrated examiner assessed all the study subjects to measure amount of plaque using Silness and Loe plaque index, before and after the tooth brushing with allotted toothbrush. The mothers/caretakers were also questioned about the comfort and convenience in using the brushes provided in the study. Results: Only 27 study subjects had returned along with their mother/caretaker for intervention Finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush groups, consisted of total 10 males and four female subjects, and eight males and five female subjects respectively. The mean plaque scores before tooth brushing for finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush were 1.43 and 1.29 respectively, and after tooth brushing 0.22 and 0.16 for the finger toothbrush and manual toothbrush respectively. Higher mean plaque index score was recorded for finger toothbrush compared to manual toothbrush but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Finger toothbrush was able to remove plaque as efficacious as manual toothbrush in preschool children of 3 to 6 years of age