Evaluation of

The presence of bacteria, especially Streptococci mutan, in salivary pellicles on the surface of dentine is often the first step in the development of periodontal diseases. Arresting the growth and development of microbes and preventing the subsequent attachment of secondary microbes and other debris onto these pellicles is essential for oral hygiene and general health. This study sought to determine the ability of a preparation of Garcinia kola seed extract mouthwash to inhibit the Streptococci mutan found in the pellicles of the oral cavity of a patient with dental plaque  periodontal disease and no history of drug resistance. Garcinia kola seed was obtained, extracted, and the extract formulated into mouthwash using sodium benzoate as preservative, citric acid as pH and taste stabilizer, and distilled water as vehicle. Streptococci mutan from the patient with dental plaque was obtained and identified. The antimicrobial effects, on Streptococci mutan, of the Garcinia kola seed extract, Garcinia kola seed extract mouthwash preparation, placebo mouthwash preparation, and commercially available Listerine and AM/PM mouthwashes were determined.  Distilled water and ampicillin rawactive were used as blank and active controls. The result showed effective antimicrobial activities by the   mouthwash prepared with Garcinia kola seed extract, commercial mouthwashes, and the ampicillin active control that were significant at 5 % statistical level (*P ˂ 0.05). In conclusion, the natural mouthwash preparation with Garcinia kola seed extract can maintain oral and dental hygiene, and protect dentine from developing periodontal diseases by inhibiting Streptococci mutan among other functions. Keyword: Streptococci mutan, periodontal disease, Garcinia kola, mouthwash, antimicrobial activity