Comparative Evaluation of Inhibitory Effect of Different Fluoride Releasing Agents on Streptococcus

Background: Sensitivity is very common in most people and varnish is used to relieve sensitivity and also to prevent dental caries. Three different fluoride releasing agents MI Varnish, VOCO PROFLUORID and 60 second taste. Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria that cause progression of caries and hence it is important to test the inhibitory effect of fluoride releasing agents on streptococcus mutans. Materials and methods: A sample size of 10 culture plates of nutrient agar is used. The three fluoride varnishes are placed on the culture plate that is swabbed with streptococcus mutansand a lawn culture is done. The culture plates are observed after 24 hours and the legth of inhibition is noted. Results: The bacterial inhibition in the culture is measured after 24 hours. It was found that phosphate fluoride gel by pascal company showed the most inhibition of about 26mm, ACP-CPP showed a bacterial inhibition of 12mm, and Sodium fluoride did not show any bacterial inhibition. This shows that phosphate fluoride is the most effective fluoride-releasing agent in inhibiting streptococcus mutans growth in the oral cavity. Conclusion: This research shows that all fluoride varnishes are not effective in inhibiting bacterial growth, and that it depends on the composition. Sodium fluoride is not effective in the reduction of bacterial growth whereas phosphate fluoride varnishes show the best results. Thus it is advisable to use phosphate fluoride varnishes for better results.