Effect of used Mango and Karanj chewing stick (Datun) on Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study

Dental caries remains a major oral health problem, necessitating effective natural antimicrobial alternatives targeting Streptococcus Mutans. Chewing sticks from Mangifera indica and pongamia pinnata contain bioactive compounds with established antiseptic and bactericidal properties. Aqueous extracts (5%, 10% and 50% w/v) were prepared and tested against Streptococcus mutans using agar diffusion to assess zones of inhibition. Mangifera indica showed maximum antimicrobial efficacy at 50% concentration, followed by lower but notable effects at 10% and 5%. Thus, we show Mangifera indica as a potent natural anti-cariogenic agent with potential integration into preventive oral healthcare strategies.