Context: Dental caries is the most prevalent oral infection affecting the humankind worldwide, and Streptococcus mutans is the major microrganism involved in its pathology. Mechanical plaque control in children is not performed efficiently and thus necessitates the inclusion of certain antimicrobial agents in the toothpaste.
Aim: To analyze the antibacterial efficacy of nanosilver, chitosan, and fluoride as an ingredient in the dentifrices against S. mutans strains and comparing them with each other.
Subjects and methods: Pure culture of S. mutans strain (MTCC 890) was obtained from the Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India. Nanosilver (Group 1)- and chitosan (Group 2)-containing toothpastes were obtained from the respective dealers, and fluoride (Group 3) toothpaste was obtained from the local market. The antimicrobial activity of the three toothpastes was determined by modified agar well diffusion method. Saline was kept as the control.
Statistical analysis used: Unpaired t-test was done for intergroup comparisons.
Results: Statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 1 and 3, and Groups 2 and 3 were seen.
Conclusions: Nanosilver-containing toothpaste has the highest antibacterial efficacy against S. mutans, followed by fluoride- and chitosan-containing toothpaste.
Keywords: Chitosan; Streptococcus mutans; dental caries; dentifrices; fluoride; nanosilver.