Development of a Natural Extract-Based Toothpaste from Organic Waste for Inhibiting Cariogenic Bacteria: Lemon Peel and Tea Leaf Residues

This experiment aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Hesperidin and Polyphenol extracts in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, one of the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay. The study utilized toothpaste formulations containing these extracts and compared them with a control toothpaste that did not contain any extracts. The effectiveness was measured by the size of the inhibition zone — the area in which bacterial growth was suppressed. The results showed that both Hesperidin and Polyphenol extracts were effective in producing significantly larger inhibition zones compared to the control. Specifically, Hesperidin had an average inhibition zone of 21.95 mm, Polyphenols had 20.65 mm, while the control toothpaste had only 12.85 mm. However, the combination of both extracts resulted in highly variable outcomes, indicating the need for further formulation optimization and testing. In conclusion, Hesperidin and Polyphenol extracts show promising potential as active ingredients in toothpaste formulations for the prevention of tooth decay and the promotion of oral health. Nevertheless, additional research is recommended to determine the most suitable and stable formulation for maximum efficacy.