Effect of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Containing Tulsi Extract on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans in a Group of Children
Condition: Dental Caries in Children
MeSH terms: Dental Caries
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The goal of this clinical trial was to explore how adding Tulsi extract, a natural plant
      substance, to chewing gum affects the levels of Streptococcus mutans, type of bacteria that
      cause dental caries, in the saliva of children aged 4 to 11 years. Participants should not
      use removable prosthetics or orthodontic appliances and had had not used antibiotics in the 2
      weeks preceding sample collection.

      We want to answer this main question:

      Can chewing gum with Tulsi extract significantly reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans
      bacteria in children's saliva?

      Participants tasks:

        -  Children were asked to chew gum containing Tulsi extract for 5 minutes and then dispose
           of the gum.

        -  Two salivary samples were collected from each child: one before gum chewing and another
           30 minutes after disposing the gum.

      Researchers compared Streptococcus mutans counts in saliva before and after gum chewing to
      determine if there is a significant reduction in bacterial colonies.
    

Detailed description: 
      This interventional clinical trial aimed to assess the antimicrobial effect of Tulsi extract
      incorporated into chewing gum on the salivary Streptococcus mutans count in a group of
      children aged 4 to 11 years. The study enrolled 32 systemically healthy children who met
      specific criteria, including the absence of removable prosthetics or orthodontic appliances
      and no recent history of antibiotic use in the preceding 2 weeks.

      Participants and Methods:

      A sample of 33 children within the age range of 4 to 11 years was selected. The participants
      were systemically healthy, without removable prosthetics or orthodontic appliances, and had
      no recent history of antibiotic use in the previous 2 weeks. To standardize saliva collection
      conditions, samples were collected between 9-10 am in the morning. Children were instructed
      not to eat or drink anything (except water) 1 hour before saliva collection to maintain
      consistency in the samples.

      Participants were then asked to spit into sterile containers as the method of saliva
      collection. Subsequently, they were instructed to masticate gum containing Tulsi extract for
      a duration of 5 minutes and discard the gum.

      Two salivary samples were collected from each participant: one before commencing gum chewing
      and another 30 minutes after the conclusion of chewing gum for 5 minutes. The samples were
      streaked onto mitis salivarius agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Streptococcus
      mutans colonies were then counted to assess the change in bacterial count.
    

Intervention name(s): Tulsi Gum
Intervention type(s): Dietary Supplement
Intervention description(s): The intervention involves participants chewing a specially formulated gum known as "Tulsi Gum" for 5 minutes. Tulsi Gum contains Tulsi extract, a natural substance derived from the Tulsi plant. This extract is recognized for its potential antimicrobial properties. Participants are then required to discard the gum. The study aims to assess the effect of Tulsi Gum on salivary Streptococcus mutans count in children aged 4 to 11 years. This assessment contributes to understanding the potential of Tulsi Gum in preventing dental caries in children.
Intervention model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Prevention
Keywords: caries prevention; streptococcus mutans