Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens
Published on: June 7, 2017
Effectiveness of selected materials against Enterococcus faecalis: part 3. The antibacterial effect of calcium
Yu-heng Lin1, André K Mickel, Sami Chogle
1Department of Endodontics, Case Western Reserve University, School of Dentistry, Cleveland, OH 44106-4905, USA.
Abstract:
It has been found that Enterococcus faecalis is most commonly isolated in failed endodontic treatment. Irrigation with chlorhexidine gluconate has been suggested based on its antimicrobial effect and substantivity. Calcium hydroxide also is an effective antimicrobial agent because of its high alkalinity. The purpose of this study was to test the individual and combined effect of calcium hydroxide and chlorhexidine against E. faecalis. The agar-diffusion test was performed on Mueller-Hinton plates. Paper disks were impregnated with: (a) CaOH powder with sterile water; (b) Pulpdent; (c) 0.12% Peridex; (d) CaOH powder with Peridex; and (e) Pulpdent with Peridex. Ampicillin served as a control. The plates were incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 h. Peridex showed significantly larger zones of inhibition compared with CaOH. No statistically significant difference was found between Peridex and the combination of CaOH and Peridex.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Solubility
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...
Handwashing III: During the Procedure and Post-Procedure Steps
Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

