Effectiveness of stannous fluoride and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Dental Materials Science

Background:

• Enterococcus faecalis is a significant pathogen in endodontic infections.
• Antimicrobial agents are essential for managing persistent root canal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of stannous fluoride, calcium hydroxide, and their combination against Enterococcus faecalis.

Main Methods:

• A disc diffusion susceptibility test was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar plates inoculated with E. faecalis.
• Discs soaked in stannous fluoride, calcium hydroxide, or their combination were applied.
• Zones of inhibition were measured after incubation at 37°C for 24 and 48 hours.

Main Results:

• Stannous fluoride exhibited the largest zone of inhibition (1.7 mm).
• The combination of stannous fluoride and calcium hydroxide showed a smaller zone (1.1 mm).
• Calcium hydroxide alone displayed minimal antimicrobial activity (0.05 mm).

Conclusions:

• Stannous fluoride possesses significant antimicrobial properties against Enterococcus faecalis.
• Combining stannous fluoride with calcium hydroxide may offer synergistic or additive benefits.
• Further research into stannous fluoride-based formulations for endodontic use is warranted.