Evaluation of cariogenic antibacterial activity of mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cement

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Mineral trioxide aggregate e Portland cement against some selected cariogenic bacteria. METHODS: Wells were made of approximately 0.5 mm in diameter, in solid culture media and immediately filled with cement. Twelve samples of each material were obtained for the realization of the agar diffusion method. These samples were tested with Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 700610), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Lactobacillus acidophilus (UFV) and Lactobacillus casei (UNICAMP). Petri plates containing Tripticase soy Agar (TSA) were used for the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Enterococcus faecalis, and plates of Man Rogosa & Sharpe Agar (MRS) for the Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus casei. After 48 hours of incubation, it was made the measurement of inhibition halos with the aid of manual caliper. RESULTS: The diameters obtained to MTA (2.50 ± 0.00; 2,92 ± 0.63; 2.58 ± 0.38), PC (1.17 ± 0.29; 2.00 ± 0.43; 1.33 ± 0.14) and calcium hydroxide cement (3.83 ± 0.29; 3.00 ± 0.00 ± 2.58 ± 0.72) were expressed in millimeters and subsequently submitted to Tukey test (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results obtained, it was concluded that the MTA and Portland cement showed to have similar antimicrobial properties, however these were not effective against the Enterococcus faecalis.