Introduction: Tooth decay is one of the common infectious diseases among humans, especially in groups with low social and economic status. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus subrinus are considered as the main etiological factors of tooth decay in humans. These bacteria are the most common pathogens isolated from human dental plaque and their prevalence has been reported in epidemiological studies. Various chemicals are commercially available to prevent and treat tooth decay, but these can change the oral microbiome and cause unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, vomiting, and tooth discoloration. Considering the above cases, the use of natural compounds, especially plants, has been considered for the prevention, control and treatment of tooth decay. One of the medicinal plants that have been used in the past to treat oral and dental diseases is the clove plant. Clove essential oil was used as a mouth freshener by Chinese emperors in the 3rd century BC. Hindus used clove extract in dentistry and Ibn Sina used its oil to treat gum and tooth decay. In the 19th century, clove oil was used to treat root canals and serious dental problems. Today, there are many reports confirming the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties of cloves due to its protective power against free radical fixation. In this article, in the form of analytical research, using library sources and case studies, the effect of clove extract on Streptococcus mutans bacteria has been investigated.
Methods: The buds of cloves were obtained from the large market of medicinal plants in Tehran. In order to ensure that the humidity reaches the minimum possible, the dried clove plant was placed in the oven under vacuum for 2 hours at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius. In order to extract the extract, the dried samples were turned into powder using a Bamesh 40 grinder.
The ethanolic extract of the studied plant was obtained by soaking method. In this method, clove powder was mixed with 70% ethanol at a ratio of 1:10 in an Erlenmeyer flask with an aluminum cover at room temperature, and the sample was placed on a shaker at 130 rpm for 48 hours, and then the mixture was passed through filter paper. (Whatman No. 4), ethanolic extract was obtained. Then the extract was condensed using a rotary evaporator under vacuum at a temperature of 60 degrees Celsius and the solvent was separated. In order to dry the extract, the solvent was evaporated with the help of an oven under vacuum at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 25 ml of mercury. For microbial tests, the obtained extract was filtered using 0.45 micron filters to get rid of microorganisms. The extract was kept in a sterile glass container and closed, in the dark and in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius.
Results: the clove plant, due to its antibacterial and pain-relieving properties, can affect Streptococcus mutans bacteria and reduce the pain caused by it.
Conclusion: We conclude that the clove plant, due to its antibacterial and pain-relieving properties, can affect Streptococcus mutans bacteria and reduce the pain caused by it. It is hoped that the results of this article will be effective in advancing biological science and medical science.