Assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of some Nigerian toothpaste

Abstract

Studies on the bactericidal action of additive, sodium fluoride (NaF) of seven Nigerian toothpastes in inhibiting oral bacteria was determined using ten bacterial isolates obtained from saliva of students. Two each of the ten isolates (20%) were Bacillus spp and Streptococcus spp. While 3(30%) each was Staphylococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp. The Staphylococcus spp and Bacillus spp were examined for their sensitivity to 10% (W/V) of different toothpastes manufactured in Nigeria and included Close Up®, Pepsodent®, Colgate®, Aquafresh®, Macleans®, Minta® and Daily Need® and also their biocidal additive sodium fluoride (NaF). Close Up® recorded the highest rate of bactericidal action while Minta® recorded the lowest rate. Bacillus spp was more susceptible to the toothpaste and sodium fluoride (NaF) than Staphylococcus spp. Bacillus spp was found to be able to utilize toothpaste brands like Macleans® and Aquafresh® as sole sources of carbon and energy in mineral salts medium as indicated by decline in cell number in the first hour and significant rise in the subsequent hours. Results of the survival rates of the two test organisms in the different toothpastes using Nutrient broth showed Close Up® to be the strongest, since there was a sharp decline in cell number within the first two minutes of exposure. The study concluded that Close Up® is the best toothpaste out of the 7 pastes tested, followed by Aquafresh®, Pepsodent®, Daily Need®, Colgate®, Macleans® and Minta® in that order.

Keywords: Toothpaste; bacteria; anti-microbial; sodium fluoride; Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences Vol. 2 (3) 2006: pp. 272-278