Cariostatic Efficacy of Cinnamon Water Extract on Streptococcus mutans: An In vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a chronic, widespread, and infectious disease affecting the large population. Anticariogenic effects of different herbs and natural products are observed, cinnamon among these, showed the ability to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the cinnamon water extract use on nicotine exposed S. mutans biolfilms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microtiter plates having S. mutans culture were treated using varying nicotine concentration range (0–32 mg/ml). These were then either subjected to cinnamon water (2.5 mg/ml) extract or no treatment and analyzed using a spectrophotometer to see planktonic growth, total growth absorbance, and biofilm formation. RESULTS: About 2.5 mg/ml of cinnamon water inhibits the S. mutans biofilm (nicotine-induced) considerably at various nicotine levels (0–32 mg/ml). CONCLUSION: Cinnamon water extract has a powerful inhibitory effect for S. mutans growth. Nicotine-induced S. mutans growth is markedly reduced by treating with cinnamon water extract.