Anti-caries efficacy of biofunctional molecules of natural origin: in vitro and in vivo experimental study

Tooth decay is still one of the most prevalent chronic diseases of people worldwide. For this reason, our study has focused on research of bioactive molecules with antimicrobial activity. The project's aim is to determine a new way in caries prevention The program research has been divided in two parts. For the in vitro phase, it has been conduced a screening of antimicrobial activity of Italian vulnerary plants against major oral pathogenic bacteria. On the basis of results, experimental mouthrinses, containing extracts of plants, have been tested in vivo, for examine the antimicrobial efficacy in reducing cariogenic bacteria in saliva.