Effect of Tricalcium Phosphate and Calcium Sucrose Phosphate on the Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans: An In Vivo...

To determine the efficacy of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and calcium sucrose phosphate (CSP) on the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (SM).

Thirty healthy children between 13 and 18 years of age were divided into two groups of 15 each; Group I receiving TCP-containing cream and Group II receiving calcium sucrose phosphate-containing cream. On the first day of the study, 30 minutes after breakfast, baseline plaque samples were taken from the buccal surface of first mandibular permanent molar using a sterile wedge which was immediately transferred to sterile container containing 1 mL of saline, and were subjected to microbiological examination. On the following days, both the creams were applied to the respective groups. On the 16th day, plaque samples were collected from the same site, and colony forming units were recorded using agar plate as a culture medium.

The mean of S. mutans count before application of TCP-containing paste was 16.27 cfu per mL and before calcium sucrose phosphate-containing paste was 15.33 cfu per mL. The mean after application of TCP-containing paste and calcium sucrose phosphate-containing paste was 3.53 and 9.87 cfu per mL, respectively. And, there was a statistically significant difference found within the groups.

Both TCP and CSP have an inhibitory effect on S. mutans.

This can be an effective preventive tool for children with high caries risk and even for special child. Both TCP and CSP deposit the mineral reservoir in plaque and saliva; it may help resist the future cariogenic challenges.