Evaluation of the effects of manuka honey on salivary levels
of mutans streptococci in children: A pilot study
J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent, 2014 Jul-Sep;32(3):212-9
Background: There has been much debate in the past about
whether honey is harmful to the teeth, mostly as part of the debate about raw
sugar versus refined sugar and the results have been equivocal. However, what
has not been taken into account is that honey varies markedly in the potency of
its antibacterial activity. Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) honey from New
Zealand has been found to have substantial levels of non-peroxide antibacterial
activity associated with an unidentified phytochemical component, denoted as
Unique Manuka Factor (UMF).
Aims: Considering the potential antimicrobial effects of
manuka honey, the present study attempted to investigate effects of twice daily
use of manuka honey with UMF 19.5 on salivary levels of Mutans streptococci in
children.
Study Design: The investigation was a stratified comparison
of two parallel groups of children who either used manuka honey with regular
tooth brushing regimen or continued only with regular tooth brushing regimen
twice daily under professional supervision for a 21-day period. A total of
three salivary samples were taken from each individual at baseline, day 10, and
day 21; colony counts of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) were determined. All
data was subjected to paired T-test and Wilcoxon's signed ranks sum for intra-
and intergroup comparisons respectively.
Results: Children using manuka honey showed statistically
significant reductions in salivary S. mutans after 10 and 21 days.
Conclusion: Manuka honey with UMF 19.5 may be considered as
an effective adjunctive oral hygiene measure for reducing colony counts in
children.
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