AgNPs: The New Allies Against S. Mutans Biofilm - A Pilot Clinical Trial and Microbiological Assay

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of a new formulation containing silver nanoparticles, named Nano Silver Fluoride (NSF), to inhibit Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation on children's dental enamel. The variations in dental biofilm pH and in the Simplified-Oral-Hygiene-Index (OHI-S) also were evaluated after the treatment with NSF. This was a randomized, double-blind, crossover and prospective pilot clinical trial study in which 12 schoolchildren, aged between 7-8 years, had their dental enamel treated with two solutions: S1 -Nano Silver Fluoride and S2 -negative control (saline solution), in different experimental moments. The dental biofilm adhered to enamel treated with NSF had lower values of S. mutans viability (absorbance) and colony forming units (CFU) than the S0 (baseline) and S2. There was a statistically significant difference between the OHI-S mean values of S0 and S1. There were no differences between the biofilm pH (both before and after the use of the test substances) and among the different groups. These properties suggest that NSF has bactericidal effect against S. mutans biofilm and it may be used for clinical control and prevention of dental biofilm formation.

To determine the effect of chewing gum containing xylitol and sorbitol on mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli count in saliva, plaque, and gingival health and to compare the efficacy of chewing gums

“…In this study, the S. mutans counts and Lactobacillus counts were evaluated in saliva. S. mutans were cultured using MSB agar[ 5 ] and Lactobacilli in Rogosa agar,[ 6 ] which are the selective media for the growth of S. mutans and Lactobacilli , respectively. Studies reveal that the results obtained by this culture plate method, as used in this study, correlate well with the dip slide methods,[ 7 8 ] yet another method used for the same.…”

Clinical efficacy of nanosilver and chlorhexidine in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

“…The findings of the present study are consistent with previous studies. [22][23][24][25][26][27] Jain et al, 22 noticed that there was a significant decrease in plaque score in CHX group at 15 days and 30 days. In this study, a significant reduction in PLI, GI and BPI at two and four weeks was found after using CHX mouthwash.…”

“…et al,24 who reported NS antibacterial activity against Porphyromonas gingivalis Shawky et al,25 showed that NS resulted in a pronounced improvement in clinical parameters and reduction of microbial infections. Lu et al,26 showed that NS had apparent antibacterial effects against five anaerobic oral pathogenic bacteria and aerobic bacteria.Freire et al,27 also showed that NS significantly reduced the CFUs four fold in 24 hours. Sadeghi et al,28 reported that NS had bactericidal effects against Streptococcus mutans comparable to CHX.…”

Application of Antimicrobial Nanoparticles in Dentistry

“…In addition to active and effective antibacterial treatment, NPs also play a major role in the field of prevent the oral diseases. Nanoparticles of sodium fluoride (NSF) fluoride-based varnishes showed expected antibacterial effects when compared to silver diamine fluoride (SDF) varnishes—the gold standard for anticariogenic agents [165,166,167]. The toothbrush impregnated with AgNPs reduced the number of the putative periodontal pathogens [168,169].…”