Comparative Assessment of Fluoride Released and Antimicrobial Effects of Three Types of Glass Ionomer Cements on Cariogenic Dental Bacteria: An In-vitro Study

Secondary caries is one of the main causes for replacement of dental restorations. Glass ionomer cement (GIC) has cariostatic properties and antibacterial effect due to the ability to release fluoride. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity and fluoride release between three different formulations of GIC.

This experimental study was conducted in Ardabil Dental School, Iran 2020. We evaluated fluoride release (n=15) and antibacterial activity (n=24) of three GICs including Fuji IX GP Extra, Fuji II LC, and Equia Forte against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Microtubes containing each bacterium and no glass ionomer were considered as positive controls. Antibacterial activity was studied using well diffusion test and time-kill curve was measured. The amount of released fluoride was measured at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, and 21 by specific fluoride electrode. Data were analyzed applying ANOVA, post hoc Sidak, and Tukey test.

Fuji IX GP Extra and Equia Forte showed significantly higher and lower antibacterial activity against both strains, respectively (P<0.001). The least fluoride release was associated with Equia Forte (P<0.001), but Fuji IX GP Extra and Fuji II LC did not show any significant difference (P>0.05).

Fuji IX GP Extra had the greatest growth-inhibitory effect on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus due to the highest fluoride release.