Antibacterial effect of aloe vera gelagainst plaque and caries bacteria: an in-vitro study

Abstract

The use of antibiotics has been increasing in the medical field for the control and cure of diseases butwith the increase in antibiotics there is an increasing resistance of antibiotics which has made us to think about various herbal remedies which have lesser or no side effects as compared to their counterpart in chemically manufactured products.Aim: To check the anti-bacterial effect of Aloe Vera gel at different concentrations against plaque and caries bacteria and to compare it with antibiotics (cefexime and ofloaxacin). Methodology:Plaque samples were collected early morning from inter-proximal sites of lower central incisors with sterile curettes including both supra- gingival and sub-gingival plaque.Clinical isolate were then grown in Brain-Heart Infusion broth and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C.Anti-microbial activity of the Aloe Vera Gel was tested by the disc diffusion method.Results:Among the various concentrations of Aloe Vera, the group with Aloe Vera extract at 100% concentration showed the best results but the antibacterial efficancy was lower as considered with cefexime and ofloaxacin. Conclusion:It can be concluded that AloeVera gel can be used as an anti-bacterial agent to prevent and treat some oral infectious diseases such as dental caries, at higher concentration.