Review of the adhesive resins with antibacterial effects

The aim was to review antibacterial agents incorporated into adhesives. In this context, bonding systems were compared and the effect of irradiation on the antibacterial properties of adhesives was evaluated.
Description: Currently, composite resins are considered the principal materials to restore anterior and posterior cavities. Advances in the synthesis of polymers and fillers have improved composite resin properties; however, a major problem is the greater tendency for accumulation of plaque in their vicinity. Since composite resins are bonded to tooth surfaces, recently the antibacterial effects of adhesives have attracted attention. One of the new developments in the formulation of adhesives is introduction of chemical components to confer antibacterial activity. This article reviewed recent studies in this area to answer this question: Is the antibacterial activity of adhesives clinically important? Search was run in Pubmed database and Google Scholar using the key words "antibacterial adhesives", "adhesives Methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide(MDPB)", "adhesives epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)", "fluoride adhesives", "quarterly ammoniums adhesives" from 2005 on.
Some studies have reported that adhesive systems show significant antibacterial properties and this effect has been attributed to the presence of MDPB molecule. However, others believe that this effect is minor and temporary. No adhesive is able to completely prevent nanoleakage at resin–dentin interface. Adhesives without light activation have better antibacterial properties. However, after irradiation the afore-mentioned properties are still available to some extent. Recently, the use of substances such epigllocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) and silver nanoparticles have been proposed in the adhesives and in vitro studies have yielded promising results. However, no accurate simulation of the oral cavityhas been carried out. Currently, definitive assessment of the clinical relevance is not possible and more extensive clinical studies are necessary.