In vitro antibacterial activity of an amine fluoride toothpaste

Objectives: The main aim of this study is to evaluate the inhibitory potential of an amine fluoride toothpaste (elmex®, GABA International) in its commercial formulation, on the principal bacteria of the oral microflora, which is a major factor in the development of decay (Actinomyces odontolyticus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces viscosus). The main active component of this toothpaste is an amine fluoride called Olaflur. This complex molecule is one part fluoride and the other non-fluoride. Each of these parts contributes individually to antibacterial activity. This study should allow the precise definition of the anti-bacterial activity in each part of the Olaflur as well as verifying the part’s efficiency in the presence of the excipients of the toothpaste. Methods: Four products were studied: negative control (toothpaste excipients without active components), toothpaste, Olaflur, Olaflur with chloride (acting as a fluoride substitute). These tests is to set up a pure bacterial culture (final inoculum density is 108 CFU/ml) with diluted measures of the product to be tested (from 1/2 to 1/32). Bacterial growth was evaluated according to different bacteria-product contact periods (3 minutes, 1 hour, 24 hours) and varying dilutions of the product. Results: The toothpaste and the Olaflur products tested showed anti-bacterial activity in all the colonies tested but with significant variations depending on the species. The excipients alone did not show signs of any anti-bacterial activity. However Olaflur without fluoride (with a chloride substitute) had a clear anti-bacterial effect on all the species tested but to a lesser degree than the Olaflur or the toothpaste used. The excipient did not perturb the anti-bacterial activity of the Olaflur molecule. Conclusion: The amino part of the molecule showed an anti-bacterial activity, inferior to that of the fluoride, but which probably contributed to the anti-bacterial activity of the Olaflur molecule.