The effect of Ora Salts™ on the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Streptococcus mutans bacteria in-vitro

Abstract: Micro-colonies of bacteria occur on the oral mucosa, the tongue and tooth surfaces below and above the gingival margin (Dewhirst et al., 2010). Regular oral care aids in reducing microbial accumulation, preventing conditions such as caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease that arise due to microbial build-up (Gurenlian, 2007). The percentage prevalence of dental caries is 95 % in South African adults (35-44 years) and 68% of South African adults have not had their caries treated (van Wyk, 2004). Poor management of gingivitis increases potential progression to peridontitis (Arndt, 2010). Microbial analyses of periodontal disease and oral colonization reveal Streptococcus mutans to be amongst dominant pathogenic bacteria (Contardo et al,. 2011). Peridontitis is treated with non-surgical mechanical debridement and oral maintenance care (Heitz-Mayfield, 2009). Metronidazole and/or amoxicillin antibiotics are frequently prescribed for peridontitis (Heitz-Mayfield, 2009). Side effects of these include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, while long term usage may pose a threat to liver health and lead to teeth removal (NHS, 2012). Antibiotics cause destruction to both commensal (e.g. Lactobacillus acidophilus) and pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Streptococcus mutans), which may render individual susceptible to infections and diseases through disruption of perpetual homeostasis (Blaser, 2011). Ora Salts™ is a mouth wash with homoeopathic remedies that contains no sugar, alcohol, artificial ingredients, preservatives or colourants (Oralink, 1997). It remains to be proven whether it has significant in-vitro activity against the pathogenic microorganism Streptococcus mutans, together with a preserving action on the commensal micro-organism Lactobacillus acidophilus...M.Tech. (Homoeopathy