EFFECT of GREEN TEA to REMOVAL ORAL BIOFILM and ORAL HEALTH

Dental caries is accepted the most important oral disease. although the incidence of dental caries decreases day by day as a result of the many preventive treatments, it is stil an important health problem especially in developing countries. the formation of dental caries depends on several factors and the most important microorganism, particularly, streptococcus mutans (s.mutans). detailed oral microflora studies for adults has been performed and there are publications that indicate similar oral microflora on pediatric patients. however, there are still some deficiencies with regard to this subject in children. difficulties on studying on children and changes depending on growth and development may regarded as reasons for the deficiencies. microorganisms are protected from the negative enviromental conditions by biofilm formed in the mouth, and they survive for a longer period and proliferate. therefore, microorganisms create dental caries and other oral diseases. chlorhexidine digluconate with mechanical cleaning is the most commonly used chemical agent to remove biofilm for adult patients. although providing an effective treatment for a long time, it has unfavourable characteristics such as tooth discoloration, taste change, and toxic side effects. the usage of these agents in pediatric patients causes anxiety and is not preferred due to the toxic effects in these times. for centuries, the useage of plant extracts as a routine in daily life and traditional treatments is known. aim of this study, to investigate the usability of the plant materials such as green tea exctract for the prevention of biofilm and to develop a preparation that can be used in children.