Abstract
Dental diseases are a major health concern in Nigeria. This study was designed
to investigate the in vitro inhibition of bacteria by different concentrations of
different toothpastes on the bacterial isolates. The purpose of the study was to
evaluate the antimicrobial activity of four dentifrices designated A, B, C and
D and their efficacy against different bacteria species. Pure cultures of
Escherichia coli, Streptococcus mutaus and Lactobacilus acidophilus were
obtained from the Microbiology Laboratory of Irrua Specialist Teaching
Hospital, Irrua Edo State. The agar well diffusion method was used for the
antibacterial efficacy studies. Results obtained indicated that dentifrice B
(contained triclosan and sodium fluoride), had highest inhibition zones (19.4)
followed by dentifrice A (which contained sodium fluoride) and had inhibition
zone diameter of 14.7mm. This is followed by dentifrices C and D with
inhibition zone diameter of 12.7mm and 11.8mm respectively. Findings from
this study also showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus posed more resistance to
the antibacterial efficacy of these dentifrices. To achieve good oral health,
there is need to balance up active ingredients to appropriate levels in all
toothpastes so that in addition to providing protection against sensitivity, they
can also protect the teeth from dental diseases caused by bacteria.