In Vitro Comparison of the Combined Effects of Different Concentrations of Extracts of the Nettle (Urtica Diocia) and Sage (Salvina Officinalis) with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on the Oral Pathogen from Dental Plaque (Streptococcus Mutans)

Introduction: Dental caries is an infectious disease caused by bacterial colonization. Streptococcus mutans, which is the main cause of human dental caries, is mainly found in biofilms that form on tooth surfaces, also known as dental plaque. Chlorhexidine is the most commonly used standard mouthwash; however, due to its side effects, researchers are looking for alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of different concentrations of extracts of the Nettle (Urtica Diocia) and Sage (Salvina Officinalis) with chlorhexidine mouthwash on the oral pathogen from dental plaque (Streptococcus Mutans). Method: A mixture was prepared from different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of the Nettle (Urtica dioica) and Sage (Salvina officinalis). Following that its effect at different dilutions against Streptococcus mutans bacteria was investigated using disk diffusion, well plate, and biofilm inhibition methods. Results: In all methods (disk diffusion, well plate, and biofilm formation), the highest effectiveness observed after chlorhexidine and ciprofloxacin was related to Sage (Salvina Officinalis) extract (100%). According to the results of biofilm formation, only Sage (Salvina Officinalis) extract (100%) showed appropriate effectiveness against Streptococcus Mutans bacteria. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and ciprofloxacin is greater than that of herbal extracts; however, among the extracts tested, the highest effectiveness is related to Sage (Salvina Officinalis) (100%).