Dentistry

Abstract

Anti-caries Potential of Silver Nanoparticles via Modulation of Free Calcium Activity within the Plaque Fluid of the Oral Biofilm: A Pilot Study

Craig Callister, Matthew Callister, Michael Nolan and Ryan Nolan

Background: The specific aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on calcium ion activity within the plaque fluid of oral biofilms.

Materials and Methods: An in ex-vivo prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study model was used. Two case study tests-one on a plaque from nine caries-free subjects (averaged samples) and another on a plaque from eight caries-free subjects (pooled samples) were done. All subjects abstained from brushing for 48 hours prior to the collection of plaque. All subjects were randomly assigned to a rinse which either contained calcium chloride (0.2% control), or calcium chloride (0.2%) and AgNPs (10 ppm). Plaque samples were taken prior to and 60 minutes after rinsing and spun down using a centrifuge and analyzed using calcium selective electrodes to determine calcium activity in plaque extra orally. The effects were analyzed using a two-sided T-test to implore significance.

Results: Test and control mouthwashes produced differing levels of free calcium in the plaque. The test rinse significantly increased the calcium ion activity in plaque by a significant degree (p<0.05). The results were more significant for the pooled testing.

Conclusion: AgNPs show promise for being used in hygiene products for increasing calcium delivery into biofilms, offering the opportunity to increase remineralization and reduce acidity from oral biofilms via calcium entry.