Abstract
This purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of vanillin (2%) alone and with Amber dentifrice on the cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus). The vanillin material was prepared in this study by the use of pure vanillin (2%). Two microorganisms were selected to examine the antimicrobial activity of the vanillin against dental caries. These microorganisms are Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus; both are isolated from the dental plaque on the carious surface and from saliva. For the assay the turbidity method was used as described by Abdul-Rahman (2001), using the mean value of optical density to record the growth of bacteria. This study showed that the vanillin (2%) alone and withdentifrice reported significantly less mean value of optical density for both bacteria compared with the control read. That means it is effective in controlling and preventing dental caries by reducing the growth of cariogenic microorganisms.