Antibacterial Effect of the Combination of Probiotic Milk and Calliandra Honey against Streptococcus mutans that Causes Tooth Cavities

Background: Streptococcus mutans is a Gram-positive bacterium found in the oral cavity. As a cariogenic bacterium, Streptococcus mutans can cause dental caries through its ability to produce an acidic environment that can demineralize tooth structures so that the tooth layer is destroyed.

Objective: To determine the optimal combination of probiotic milk Lactobacillus paracasei and calliandra honey which has antibacterial activity in Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Method: This study uses diffusion method on Nutrient Agar media. The study began with an examination of the physical properties of probiotic milk and calliandra honey including color, odor, taste, pH, specific gravity and viscosity. Antibacterial activity was indicated by the diameter of the Zone of inhibition (mm) in the form of clear areas around the well on the media so that containing Streptococcus mutans inoculums 0.25μl/ml.

Result: The combination of probiotic milk Lactobacillus paracasei and 50% calliandra honey solution produced the highest activity at a ratio of 8:2 with Zone of inhibition diameters of 16.40 ± 0.71 mm.

Conclusion: The combination of probiotic milk and calliandra honey with 5% concentration and 8:2 ratio has the highest antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans that causes tooth cavities