Antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles in treating dental caries

Abstract

Objective: To clarify the benefits related to the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the prevention of dental decay in children, we compared the antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles, chlorhexidine and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against Streptococcus mutans. Materiais and method: To analyze the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) for the target solutions we used the spectrophotometric microdilution method (SMM) and turbidity. We also looked at the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the target products. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare MIC and MBC among groups studied Results: In relation to the antibacterial proprieties the tested substances showed effective bacteriostatic and bactericide activity. The silver nanoparticles showed the MIC`s lowest value against the reference strains (ATCC 25175) (p < 0.05). In the clinical strains the silver nanoparticles value was in the same range as that of chlorhexidine (p > 0.05) and it was lower than SDF (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Silver nanoparticles proved to have bactericidal activity against S. mutans, therefore, may be an agent efficacious in the prevention of dental caries.