An innovative approach to treating dental decay in children. A new anti-caries agent

Abstract

The aim of this work is to evaluate the antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of a formulation containing silver nanoparticles and chitosan, provisionally called nano silver fluoride (NSF), against Streptococcus mutans in comparison to chlorhexidine and silver diamine fluoride (SDF). The product was characterised by transmission electron microscopy and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) was evaluated by the spectrophotometric microdilution method and turbidity. The minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) was evaluated in brain heart infusion plates, and cytotoxicity was evaluated by haemolytic activity. The MIC and MBC for NSF were, respectively, 33.54 ± 14.52 and 50.32 µg/mL; for SDF were 33.33 ± 14.43 and 50.0 µg/mL, respectively; and for CHX were 3.3 ± 0.5 and 6 µg/mL, respectively. An ANOVA for MIC gave P = 0.032, and for MBC P = 0.035. The cytotoxic effect of NSF compared to SDF demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the MIC value (t test P < 0.05). The NSF formulation may be effective against S. mutans with much lower doses, may have lower toxicity than SDF, and may not stain teeth.

Comparison of the Potency of Several Fluoride-Based Varnishes as an Anticariogenic on Calcium, Phosphate, and Fluoride Ion Levels

“…This may be because the EDX method only measures the tooth surface covered with varnish containing silver and fluoride and the calcium ions thus cannot be detected optimally. Research by Targino et al showed parallel results with this research, wherein NSF was proven to be similarly effective to SDF in arresting the dental caries process without leaving black stains on the teeth [25].…”

Efficacy of Propolis Fluoride and Nano Silver Fluoride for Inhibition of Streptococcus Mutans and Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilm Formation

“…Previous paper stated that application of NSF once a year had the same effectiveness as SDF in preventing dental caries but caused no tooth discoloration [8]. Targino et al stated that NSF could inhibit S. mutans growth, as the nanoparticles could penetrate the cell wall and destroy the bacterial cell membrane [9]. No research has been published regarding possible side effects of NSF, but some studies have examined nanosilver, which is the main component of NSF.…”

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

“…The experimental NSF solution was synthesized according to Targino et al (7). The silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible (UV-vis) in a DH-2000 Mikropack Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) on a FEI-Tecnai20 at an accelerating voltage of 200 kV.…”

“…Laboratory studies have reported that SDF prevents the formation of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus biofilms (5), but its use for dental purposes is generally not encouraged, because it induces black tooth discoloration. However, the use of nanoscale has eliminated this problem, either in caries lesion or in healthy dental tissue, in addition to enhancing chemical and antimicrobial properties and reducing cell toxicity (6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11). AgNPs also have little or no cytotoxicity (6,7) and clinical application has become possible without risks.…”