Evaluation of the Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essential Oil and Fluconazole Solution on the Accumulation of Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans on Orthodontic Removable Plate

Abstract

Introduction: Since orthodontic removable appliances might be infected with fungi and bacteria, they need to be cleaned using natural disinfectants and chemicals. This study aimed to compare the clinical impact of thyme essence and Fluconazole solution on the amount of Candida albicans colonies and Streptococcus mutans accumulated on the removable appliances in orthodontic patients. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 21 patients were selected who used the wear Hawley’s retainer for 24-hours. Patients were divided into three groups of seven. One group first washed the plaque with soap and water and then spray thyme essence all over it at a 5-centimeter distance (4 times on each side). In the other group, as before, the plaque was washed and from the same distance as before, the fluconazole solution (10 mg/ml) was sprayed on all surfaces 4 times. In the control group, the retainer was washed every night only with soap and water. After one month, the retainers were delivered form patients. The two samples were then separated from the Kami platelets and sent to a laboratory for microbial culture. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, T-test (α = 0.05). Results: The use of thyme essence increases the mean area of Candida albicans inhibition, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p value = 0.03). The effect of Fluconazole solution on this mean area )Candida albicans inhibition zone( was not significant compared to that observed in the control group (p value = 0.5). In the group in which thyme essence was used, the mean area of Streptococcus mutans inhibition, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p value = 0.05). When Fluconazole solution was used, the mean area of Streptococcus mutans inhibition, was not significant compared to that observed in the control group (p value = 0.071). Conclusion: Compared to Fluconazole solution, thyme essence functions more effectively in increasing Candida and Streptococcus mutans inhibition zones.