Anticaries efficacy of liquorice lollipop: An ex vivo study

Abstract

Aims: To investigate the anti-bacterial efficacy of liquorice lollipop and also to investigate the remineralizing potential of the extract. Materials and methods: An interventional study was carried out on 20 volunteers aged between 18 and 21 years. Antibacterial efficacy was investigated by evaluating the bacterial counts of salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli before and after the consumption of liquorice lollipops for 10 days while the remineralization potential was studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the enamel block embedded on a Hawley's appliance worn by volunteers for 14 days after consumption of the liquorice lollipop. Results: A reduction in the bacterial counts of S. mutans which was statistically significant was observed. However, Lactobacillus growth was not observed before or after use of liquorice lollipop. No structural or morphological changes were observed on the enamel surface through SEM imaging. Conclusion: Thus, liquorice lollipop was effective in reducing S. mutans but did not show to possess a remineralizing potential. Clinical significance: The unique approach of a lollipop delivery system to reduce S. mutans count in children is also observed to be palatable for children. This raises hopes of a simple and effective way to deliver a targeted intervention to young children who are at risk for dental caries.