Preprint / Version 1

Development and Evaluation of Two Sugar-free Herbal Lollipops against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo Study

Authors

  • Nikita Nerkar Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Gagandeep Lamba Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Kavita Hotwani Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Purva Chowdhari Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Prabhat Singh Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  • Devendra Nagpal Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, VSPM Dental College and Research Centre, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Keywords:

Antimicrobial efficacy, Herbal product, Streptococcus mutans, Triphala

Abstract

Introduction Dental caries is a significant global public health concern in children. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) has a significant role in the initiation and progression of dental caries. In Ayurveda, many plants are utilized to prevent caries. Licorice (mulethi), also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra and triphala are the major elements in Ayurveda with several medicinal properties. Triphala extract efficiently reduces the development of plaque on the tooth surface. Lollipops have the ability to self-clean and are effective saliva stimulators. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of licorice and triphala lollipops against S. mutans. Aim To compare and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of licorice and triphala lollipops on S. mutans count in children aged 4–8 years. Materials and methods A total of three groups were made group I triphala, group II licorice, and group III placebo (sugar-free) lollipops. Children were screened at the baseline, and those who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the research after their parents submitted informed consent. Saliva samples were obtained in the early morning on an empty stomach. Then each child was offered a lollipop and saliva samples were carried out on all the follow-up days, that is, 7, 14, and 21. The palatability of lollipops among children was assessed by using a 5-point Likert scale. Results By using multiple comparisons—Tukey's test, statistically significant difference was found between the triphala lollipop and licorice group (p = 0.0001), the triphala lollipop and placebo group (p = 0.0001), and between the licorice lollipop and placebo group (p = 0.0001) against S. mutans count. Conclusion Both licorice and triphala lollipops had an antimicrobial effect on S. mutans count. Licorice lollipops had an enhanced antimicrobial effect compared to triphala lollipops. How to cite this article Nerkar NS, Lamba G, Hotwani K, et al. Development and Evaluation of Two Sugar-free Herbal Lollipops against Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):780–785. Keywords: Antimicrobial efficacy, Herbal product, Streptococcus mutans, Triphala