Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils Against Streptococcus Mutans

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity against bacteria in oral cavity by selecting tea tree and pepper, which are natural essential oils with aroma suitable for oral use

Method/Statistical Analysis: Streptococcus mutans(S. mutans)was used for the antibacterial activity measurement after subculture in brain heart infusion (BHI; Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). Tea tree and peppermint essential oil concentrations of 0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% were divided into 5×10 5 colony forming units; CFUs/ml diluted S. mutans10ul, BHI 900ul, 10% Tween 20 90ul was applied to prepare the final 1mL to check the CFUs according to 24h at 37°Ϲ to evaluate the antimicrobial effect.

Findings: The CFUs of the essential oils of tea tree and peppermint showed a reduction of 10 -6 in 30% tea tree compared to the control without natural essential oil, 30% Peppermint showed 10-8 deaths. Although the difference in natural essential oils is different, it is shown that the higher the concentration of the essential oil, the higher the bacterial death.

Improvements/Applications: Peppermint and tea tree essential oils were found to be antimicrobial. Especially, tea tree essential oil has excellent antimicrobial activity compared to peppermint essential oil.