Original Research
Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 2 | Page : 128-135
Antimicrobial Efficacy Of a Novel Neem-Based Dentifrice on Streptococcus Mutans in Plaque around Orthodontic Brackets: An In-Vitro Study
Aishwarya K-1, Ravanth Kumar C-2, Seerab Husain-3, Heenaz Nihar A-4
1-Postgraduate Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 2-Associate Professor, 3-Assistant Professor, 4-Postgraduate Resident, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai
Address for Correspondence:
Dr Ravanth Kumar C.,
Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics,
Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital,
Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University),
Tamil Nadu, Chennai
Email ID: drravanth.ortho@madch.edu.in
Background: Streptococcus mutans is the primary cariogenic pathogen implicated in dental caries, and its colonization is significantly enhanced in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment due to plaque retention around brackets. Neem (Azadirachta indica), a plant with excellent antimicrobial properties, has been explored as a natural alternative to conventional antimicrobial agents in oral care.
Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of neem dentifrice at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) against Streptococcus mutans on orthodontic bracket bonded, extracted teeth.
Materials and Methods: Thirty bracket-fixed extracted human teeth were divided into three groups (n=10 each) based on the concentration of Neem dentifrice applied: Group A (1%), Group B (5%), and Group C (10%). Microbial analysis was done using BHI broth to evaluate the number of colonies formed per group. The obtained data was tabulated and the mean difference of the colony forming units were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA.
Results: The mean CFU/ml values were 104.30±12.78 cfu/ml for the 1% group, 33.20±9.42 cfu/ml for the 5% group, and 4.80±3.70 cfu/ml for the 10% group, demonstrating a clear concentration-dependent reduction in bacterial colony counts. One-way ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between three groups (F = 296.365, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Neem dentifrice exhibited significant, dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, with the 10% concentration showing the greatest efficacy. These findings suggest that neem dentifrice may serve as an effective natural adjunct for plaque and caries control in orthodontic patients.
Keywords: Antimicrobial, Azadirachta indica, Streptococcus mutans.
FUNDING
This research was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors hereby declare that there is no conflict of interest.
How to cite this article: Aishwarya K, Ravanth Kumar C, Seerab Husain, Heenaz Nihar A. Antimicrobial Efficacy Of a Novel Neem-Based Dentifrice on Streptococcus Mutans in Plaque around Orthodontic Brackets: An In-Vitro Study.
Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (2): 128-135.
Doi: 10.56501/Intjorthodrehabil.172.ijor0111
