Antibacterial property of eugenol and eugenol-free zinc oxide cements incorporated with various concentrations of sodium fluoride

Abstract

Background: Restoring tooth by fixed partial dentures involves tooth reduction to reproduce the dental anatomy in the prosthesis. This process brings about the exposure of millions of dentinal tubules which serves as potential passageways for the diffusion and colonisation of bacteria. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial property of eugenol and eugenol-free zinc oxide cements incorporated with various concentrations of sodium fluoride. Materials and Methods: Circular specimens of zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) and eugenol-free zinc oxide cements were prepared with and without incorporation of sodium fluoride at various concentrations. The antibacterial property of the cement specimens was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using disc diffusion method. Zone of inhibition which was formed under anaerobic conditions after a period of 48 h was recorded. Results: The difference in antibacterial property of ZOE cements and eugenol-free zinc oxide cements containing sodium fluoride was statistically highly significant at all the concentrations of sodium fluoride. Eugenol-free zinc oxide did not show any antibacterial property at all. The different percentages of fluoride concentrations, that is, 1% and 2%, did not show significant difference statistically. Conclusion: Eugenol-free zinc oxide cement did not have any antibacterial effect with or without fluoride. Eugenol-containing zinc oxide cement with sodium fluoride had maximum antibacterial properties. Eugenol-containing zinc oxide cement exhibited antibacterial properties of its own.