Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of three remineralizing tooth pastes – An in vitro study

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of three remineralizing tooth pastes. Materials and Methods: Three remineralizing agents were selected for assessment of their in vitro antimicrobial activity. Group I: Novomin (SHY-NM), Group II: Calcium Sucrose Phosphate (ENAFIX), and Group III: Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (TOOTH MOUSSE). The selected agent solutions were made by mixing equal amount of agent and sterile distilled water to give 1:1 dilution. Wild culture of Streptococcus mutans were obtained and cultured in Mutans Sanguis Agar (Hi media) at 37°c for 24 h. The antimicrobial assay was performed by well diffusion method in blood Mueller–Hinton agar plates. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by measuring the diameter of zones of inhibition. Results: Agent formulation Group B (Calcium sucrose phosphate) has maximum zones of inhibition against S. mutans , compared to all other agents. Conclusion: The remineralizing agents apart from its remineralizing effect also have adjuvant antimicrobial effect against S. mutans which helps to reduce dental caries.