Effect of TSBS Dilutions and Curcumin on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm

Oral health is vital to an individual’s overall health as studies have shown that untreated oral diseases can increase the risk of adverse health conditions. Our research focuses on studying the effects of various antimicrobial and natural agents on bacterial gene and protein expression and function. The bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, has been implicated as a primary causative agent of dental caries. The goal is to observe the mechanistic aspect of how various agents affect oral bacteria with the long-term goal of designing effective treatments. In our study, we investigated the correlation between S. mutans bacterial biofilm growth with different concentrations of TSBS alone simulating a low protein diet, curcumin alone, and curcumin combined with 100% TSBS. Curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, and TSBS have been known to affect the growth of this bacterium when combined.