Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Natural Extracts as a Disinfectant for Removable Orthodontic Appliances: An Ex Vivo Study

AIM: The purpose of the study is to formulate a standard protocol for cleaning and disinfecting removable appliances by evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of three natural extracts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with removable orthodontic appliances were selected and divided into five groups [chlorhexidine 0.2% (positive control), extracts of neem, katha, cinnamon, and normal saline (negative control)] with 10 samples each. Saliva sample from the appliance was collected using a sterile cotton swab and cultured. Agar diffusion method was used and zones of inhibition were measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis by the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test and the Mann–Whitney U test. RESULTS: The neem extract had the highest zone of inhibition measuring 14.95 mm (mean) followed by katha extract with the value of 13.85 mm which was found to be comparable to chlorhexidine with 15.85 mm. CONCLUSION: Thus, neem and katha extracts can be used to disinfect removable appliances because of their good antimicrobial activity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: By following these simple cleaning protocols, it is possible to avoid numerous health hazards caused by unclean removable appliances in children. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Janani J, Nagar P, Kaniappan AS, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Natural Extracts as a Disinfectant for Removable Orthodontic Appliances: An Ex Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(6):640–643.