Streptococcus mutans in saliva of normal subjects and neck and head irradiated cancer subjects after consumption of honey

The antibacterial activity of natural honey consumption has been examined i n patients suffering from head and neck cancer who developed hyposalivation following irradiation treatment. Enumeration of total bacteria and strepto coccus mutans was carried out in saliva of the patients and of a normal vol unteer group before and after honey consumption. Total bacteria count was n ot significantly different between both groups, whereas the streptococcus m utans count decreased significantly in the experimental group following hon ey consumption.