“A Comparative Assessment Of Antimicrobial Effect Of Clove Oil And Turmeric Oil Coated Dental Floss”

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the periodontal apparatus and is primarily caused by pathogenic Plaque biofilm.Inter dental aids like Dental floss is prudent in removing interproximal plaque.Natural compounds like turmeric oil and clove oil are being used widely for their antimicrobial properties and therapeutic value.Coating of floss with these Natural compounds increases its anti-microbial activity along with its mechanical efficacy. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate antimicrobial effect of turmeric oil and clove oil coated dental floss against the periodontal pathogens and their efficacy against chlorhexidine coated dental floss.METHODOLOGY: Subgingival plaque sample was collected from a site with deepest pocket in three patients with chronic periodontitis.The culture of the microbial strains from the plaque sample was inoculated on to agar plates.The floss was divided into 3 segments and were coated with turmeric oil, clove oil and chlorhexidine.The floss was placed in agar plate and is incubated for 37c for 24hrs.The zone of Inhibition was measured and the anti-microbial activity was assessed.RESULTS: Highest zone of inhibition was found in clove oil coated floss followed by turmeric oil coated floss and the results were statistically significant with p value < 0.05. CONCLUSION:Both clove oil and turmeric oil coated dental floss showed promising antimicrobial activity and it can be efficiently used to maintain interproximal hygiene.