Sweet Orange Juice Processing By-Product Extracts: A Caries Management Alternative to Chlorhexidine

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental caries is a widespread global health issue affecting all age groups.
• Current treatments like chlorhexidine (CHX) can have adverse effects, including toxicity and disruption of the oral microbiome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate industrial sweet orange waste extracts (ISOWE) as a potential substitute for CHX in managing dental caries.
• To compare the cytotoxicity and antimicrobial efficacy of ISOWE, CHX, and their combination.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity assays on buccal epithelial cells were performed for ISOWE and CHX.
• Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using a 7-day complex oral biofilm model.
• The impact on pathogenic and health-associated oral microorganisms was analyzed.

Main Results:

• ISOWE exhibited no significant toxicity, unlike CHX which reduced cell viability.
• ISOWE demonstrated selective antimicrobial action against pathogenic species, preserving beneficial oral bacteria.
• Combined ISOWE and 0.1% CHX treatment showed comparable efficacy to 0.2% CHX alone in cariogenic biofilms.

Conclusions:

• ISOWE is a promising natural anti-cariogenic agent with a favorable safety profile.
• ISOWE offers enhanced selectivity for pathogenic bacteria, potentially maintaining oral microbiome balance.
• ISOWE represents a viable, less toxic alternative to CHX for dental caries management.