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 in patients suffering from head and neck cancer who developed hyposalivation following irradiation treatment. Enumeration of total bacteria and streptococcus mutans was carried out in saliva of the patients and of a normal volunteer group before and after honey consumption. Total bacteria count was not significantly different between both groups, whereas the streptococcus mutans count decreased significantly in the experimental group following honey consumption.