In Vitro Evaluation of the Remineralizing Potential and Antimicrobial Activity of a Cariostatic Agent with Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

Cariostatic treatment has been shown to successfully arrest caries. However, it blackens the carious tooth structure. This study evaluated the effects of an experimental cariostatic agent with silver nanoparticles (Ag-Nano) using microhardness (MH) and microbiological tests. The cariostatic agents tested were: Saforide®, Cariestop®, Ancarie® and Ag-Nano. Sixty-six samples from deciduous enamel were submitted to initial (after pH cycling to obtain initial caries-like lesion) and final (after cariostatic application) MH testing and %MH values were calculated. After longitudinal sectioning, internal (I) MH was evaluated. Strains of Streptococcus mutans, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis in brain-heart infusion culture were treated with the cariostatic agents. Agar diffusion tests (ADTs) were performed and minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined. The statistical tests used were: Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (%MD; ADT; MIC) and ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (I-MH) (p<0.05). The %MH of Saforide® was significantly greater than that of Ag-Nano (p<0.05). Internal MH showed progressive improvement in the enamel remineralization for all cariostatic tested. In ADTs showed greater inhibition of S. mutans, E. faecalis, and E. coli by Saforide® than by Ancarie® and Ag-Nano. Ag-Nano was able to inhibit 100% microorganism growth at a lower concentration than required for the other agents. It was concluded that Ag-Nano treatment promoted remineralization of deciduous tooth enamel with initial caries-like lesion and bactericidal activity.

Therapeutic Use of Silver Nanoparticles in the Prevention and Arrest of Dental Caries

“…However, it has shown adverse effects, such as causing ulcerations and staining in oral mucosa [ 64 ] that are painful due to accidental contact with the solution [ 20 , 65 ], which may disappear within 48 hours [ 21 , 65 ] and the black staining of carious tissue [ 65 – 67 ] due to the oxidation process of the ionic silver contained in its formulation [ 4 , 68 ]; however, as previously demonstrated, the use of a cariostatic agent with silver nanoparticles does not cause darkening in demineralized teeth [ 46 – 48 , 51 ]. Besides, practically all studies have demonstrated the anticariogenic and remineralizing effect of silver nanoparticles alone [ 45 ] and in combination with various components, being superior to conventional treatments [ 48 – 51 ] such as silver diamine fluoride when applied once a year, with the advantage of not staining black dental tissue, the reason being they do not form oxides when in contact with oxygen in the environment, no metallic taste, and lower cost compared to SDF [ 4 , 51 ].…”

“…Also, in the agar diffusion tests, a greater inhibition of S. mutans , Enterococcus faecalis , and Escherichia coli by Saforide® was observed than by Ancarie® and Ag-Nano. However, the MIC Ag-Nano inhibited the growth of microorganisms at a concentration lower than the other agents, remineralizing also the enamel of deciduous teeth with initial like-caries lesion [ 45 ].…”

Functionalized Graphene Oxide Shields Tooth Dentin from Decalcification

“…These reports used 6 different human oral cells (3 kinds of squamous cell cancer cell lines, pulpal cells, gingival fibroblasts, and periodontal ligament cells) and found severe toxicity in them (most of the cells were dead at 0.039 mM) (García-Contreras et al 2013). Another study reported the inhibition of bacterial growth (Scarpelli et al 2017). In summary, the substantial toxicity of Saforide is an issue in clinical dental practice, but f-GO nanocomposites are expected to solve the problem.…”

Remineralization Potential of a Novel Silver Nanoparticle Rinse on Severely Demineralized Enamel In-vitro: A 14-Day Trial

“…The demineralizing solution utilized was USP grade citric acid (1 wt%), and the storage solution prior to the antimicrobial action, as well as their anti-adherent effects on oral biofilms [10]. AgNPs have also been shown in multiple studies to increase microhardness of HAP and prevent demineralization at high risk sites, such as around orthodontic brackets and composites [2,3,11]. However, plant based AgNPs have not been tested for their remineralization capacity in vitro.…”

“…This is due to their antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties [1]. Additionally, multiple studies have shown that AgNPs can not only prevent demineralization, but can also remineralize tooth structure [2,3]. It was the purpose of this study to evaluate whether or not a novel rinse containing plant based AgNPs could remineralize severely demineralized enamel.…”