The effect of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats

Xu,Jing-Shu; Li,Yao; Cao,Xue; Cui,Yun

doi:10.3892/etm.2013.1066

The effect of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats

Authors:
- Jing-Shu Xu
- Yao Li
- Xue Cao
- Yun Cui
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Affiliations: Department of Oral Medicine, Kunhua Hospital, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
Published online on: April 17, 2013 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2013.1066
Pages: 1667-1670

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Abstract

Eugenol has been widely used in medicine due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and analgesic properties. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of eugenol on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans and dental caries development in rats. Eugenol demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against acid production by S. mutans. The synthesis of water-insoluble glucans by glucosyltransferases was reduced by eugenol. Eugenol also markedly suppressed the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated hydroxyapatite beads. Furthermore, topical application of eugenol reduced the incidence and severity of carious lesions in rats. These results suggest that the natural compound eugenol may be a useful therapeutic agent for dental caries.

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