Antibacterial Activity of MTA and Portland Cement

Objectives:The in vitro antibacterial activity of the MTA-Angelus and Portland cement was evaluated on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Actinomyces viscosus microorganisms by means of the agar diffusion test. P.A. calcium hydroxide was used as control group. Methods:Standardized bacterial suspensions were inoculated into the Mueller Hinton agar with or without Tween 80. Petri plates were incubated into a CO2 device with low levels of air inside a bacterial incubator. Inhibition zones were measured after 24 and 48 hours. Mean values were submitted to the TuKeyxs test and compared with the control group by means of Student's t test. Results were statistically significant for both microorganisms and materials studied. Results: The Portland cement showed the highest inhibition zone on Streptococcus mutans (11.56 mm). The MTA Angelus showed the highest inhibition zone on Lactobacillus acidophilus (12.5 mm) and Actinomyces viscosus (16.8 mm). Conclusion: All microorganisms were sensitive to the P.A. Calcium Hidroxyde that showed inhibition zones similar or even higher than the other materials studied.