Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Effects of Common Oral Hygiene Products and Chewing Sticks on Selected Oral Pathogens

Oral hygiene is critical for preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases, primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Traditional chewing sticks and commercial oral hygiene products are widely used, yet comparative data on their antimicrobial efficacy are limited. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of chewing stick extracts and commonly used dentifrice formulations against key oral pathogens and assessed their phytochemical composition. Methanolic extracts of Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Massularia acuminata stems were prepared using Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. The antibacterial activity of extracts, toothpaste samples, mouthwash, dental powder, wooden coal, and table salt was tested against S. mutans and L. acidophilus using agar diffusion assays at different concentrations (500 mg/ml, 250 mg/ml, 125 mg/ml and 62.5 mg/ml). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined via microdilution. Extraction yields were 15.27% (Z. zanthoxyloides) and 16.27% (M. acuminata). Phytochemical evaluation indicated that neither reducing sugars nor carbohydrates were detected in the extracts. However, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins were present in both plant samples. In addition, cardiac glycosides were detected exclusively in M. acuminata. Toothpaste samples B, C and mouthwash showed the highest antibacterial activity with the lowest MIC and MBC (250 mg/mL) values against S. mutans while toothpaste sample B, Z. zanthoxyloides, M. acuminata and dental power demonstrated lower MICs (125 mg/mL each) with varying MBCs against L. acidophilus Chewing stick extracts displayed moderate antibacterial effects, while mouthwash and dental powder were effective at moderate concentrations. Traditional agents, including table salt and wooden charcoal, showed limited inhibitory activity and no bactericidal effect. Both chewing stick extracts and selected commercial oral hygiene products exhibit significant antibacterial activity against cariogenic bacteria. Toothpaste formulations and dental powders demonstrated superior efficacy at lower concentrations, whereas chewing sticks validate their traditional use. The findings support integrating plant-derived extracts with conventional oral hygiene products to enhance antimicrobial effectiveness and promote accessible oral health interventions.