Abstract

Aim: Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the
most common oral microflorae responsible for the formation and
progression of dental caries respectively. Patients undergoing
orthodontic treatment have alterations in their micro flora due to
increased accumulation of debris around orthodontic auxiliaries. With
our previous study we have found that there was significant antibiotic
effect for watermelon juice against lactobacillus. The aim of the current
study is to find the effect of ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus
(watermelon) against oral microflora such as Lactobacillus acidophilus
and Streptococcus mutans in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Materials and methodology: Ethanolic extract of watermelon was
prepared. Three different concentrations of the extract were used to find
its antibiotic effect against oral microflora such as lactobacillus and
streptococcus mutans. Paper discs incorporated with the extract were
incubated in freshly prepared colonies of lactobacillus acidophilus and
streptococcus mutans. After incubation period the culture plates were
examined for antibiotic sensitivity.
Results: Results showed that there was no decrease in the bacterial
colony count in the culture plate containing three different
concentrations of ethanolic extract of watermelon.
Conclusion: Though watermelon juice had significant effect against
lactobacillus, the Ethanolic extract of Citrullus lanatus had no significant
antibacterial effect against lactobacillus acidophilus and streptococcus
mutans in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Key words: Watermelon,Lactobacillus,Streptococcus mutans,Oral flora, Oral hygiene,Malocclusion,Orthodontics.