Antimicrobial effect of a cavity disinfectant and a cavity conditioner 50-50vol/vol mix

Objectives: The antimicrobial effect of 50-50 vol/vol mixtures of cocoamphodiacetate 38% either with or without sodium fluoride (Tubulicid Red [TR] & Tubulicid Blue [TB]) and polyacrylic acid 20% with AlCl₃ (GC Cavity Conditioner [CC]) was determined. Methods: Due to their implication in the caries process, s. mutans, s. sanguis, s. salivarius were selected as representative microbes. Growth inhibition zones measured at 24 hours were used to quantify the antimicrobial effect of the test solutions which were then compared to growth inhibition zones associated with manufacturer supplied TR and TB. One-tenth (0.1) mL of each test solution and each control solution was pipetted onto an absorbent paper disk and left undisturbed for 20 seconds before rinsing with sterile water and drying (10 seconds total). Paper disks were placed onto heart infusion broth and 24 hour growth inhibition zone diameters were measured and averaged (n=5). Results: Zones free of bacteria were observed for both the 50-50 mix TR+CC and the 50-50 mix TB+CC as well as for manufacturer supplied TR and TB. Inhibition zones (ave. diameter in mm) are as follows: TR=16; TR+CC=15.5; TB=15; TB+CC=15.8. ANOVA indicated no differences (p£0.05). The largest inhibition zones were found in the s. mutans cultures closely followed by s. sanguis and s. salivarius. Growth inhibition differences were not found among the various microorganisms. Conclusions: Growth inhibition zones were not different when equal volumes of Cavity Conditioner and Tubulicid were used to inhibit growth of s. mutans, s. sanguis, and s. salvarius. Tubulicid/Cavity Conditioner mixture applied for 20 seconds followed by brief rinsing and drying effectively inhibits growth of microorganisms implicated in the caries process. Funded: GC America, Product support: Global Dental Products, Inc.