Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree Oils Against Oral Streptococci

Biofilm formation is becoming recognized as a key step in many infections. Prevention of this process as well as destruction of pre-formed biofilm are considered key strategies in controlling infectious diseases.The aim of the present work is to study biofilm formation in oral streptococci isolated from children aged 6-10 years and to test the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of four essential oils (Cinnamon, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Tea tree) by using three in vitro methods; Tissue Culture Plate, Tube Method, and Congo red agar for the detection of biofilm formationResults of this study showed that all oral streptococci exhibited biofilm formation with varying degrees. Also, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, followed by tea tree oil not only had a distinctive antibacterial activity against oral Streptococcal isolates, but also possessed anti-biofilm activity. These data provide evidence that plant oils could be potentially used as natural additives, clinically effective, inexpensive and safe plaque control supplements in the prevention of oral diseases.