Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Antimicrobial action of various polyacrylic acids on streptococcus mutans and actinomyces viscosus

The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial effects of various polyacrylic acids (PAA,
E9, Copolymer) on Streptococcus mutans Ingbritt NCTC 10449 and Actinomyces viscosus NCTC
9935. Petri dishes were filled with sterile agar and 5 mm in diameter wells were produced into the
agar plates. The acid solutions were placed into each well in the agar plates. Plates were incubated in
a high CO2 atmosphere at 37°C for 48 hours. After the incubation period, the plates were observed
for zones of bacterial inhibition around each well. The sizes of the zones were measured in millimeters
with a dial calliper. For statistical analysis of the findings, Mann-Whitney U Test was used.
The results showed that copolymer had got the most inhibitory effect against Streptococcus mutans
in both dialyzed and non-dialyzed form when it was compared with other polyacrylic acids used in
the study. The differences between the inhibitory effects of polyacrylic acids against Streptococcus
mutans and Actinomyces viscosus were found statistically significant (p < 0,05). In conclusion, the
acid solutions evaluated in this study showed different inhibitory effects depending on structural
properties. Non-dialyzed forms of the acids were found more effective on both microorganisms than
dialyzed form. Actinomyces viscosus was more sensitive against acid solutions than Streptococcus
mutans.