Effects of refined extracts of smokeless tobacco on Cariogenic microorganisms: An in-vitro study

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: This study attempts to investigate the effect of smokeless tobacco on the growth of cariogenic microorganisms of the genus Lactobacillus, Actinomyces and Candida. METHODS: One percent of nutrient broth/cultures of Lactobacillus, Actinomyces and Candida were prepared containing 10% concentration of smokeless tobacco extract.Inoculated broths/cultures were suspended and their optical densities were measured by spectrophotometer as a guide to microbial growth at 24 and 48 hours. The mean for each test microorganism was calculated. Broth/culture without extract was used as control. FINDINGS: The turbidometric method as a guide to growth of cariogenic microorganisms showed that there were significant differences between microbial growths of all the three microorganisms among control group and various forms of smokeless tobacco used (p<0.05). The results were statistically significant at 24 and 48 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Smokeless tobacco extracts showed anti-microbial activity against Candida, Actinomyces and Lactobacilli species suggesting an anti-cariogenic effect. Further research into tobacco should be carried out to explore the anti-cariogenic components with high therapeutical value.