Effects of a surface prereacted glass–ionomer filler coating material on biofilm formation and inhibition of dentin demineralization

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the ability of a surface prereacted glass–ionomer (S-PRG) coating material to inhibit the biofilm formation and demineralization of dentin.

Methods and materials: Dentin specimens were randomly divided into three groups: (1) no coating (control), (2) S-PRG filler-containing coat, and (3) a nonS-PRG filler–containing coat. Streptococcus mutans biofilms were grown on the dentin surfaces in a microcosm for 20 h. Then, the quantity of bacteria and water-insoluble glucan in the retained biofilm on the dentin surface were measured. Regarding demineralization inhibition test, specimens were demineralized for 5 days then sectioned into halves and observed under confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The estimated mean surface roughness for specimens in the S-PRG group was statistically significantly higher than the estimates for both the nonS-PRG and the control group specimens. The quantity of bacteria and water-insoluble glucan/mm2 revealed that the S-PRG group prevented biofilm formation and bacterial adhesion to the dentin surface compared with the control and nonS-PRG groups. The S-PRG group recorded the highest acid-resistance ability with no surface loss.

Conclusion: Application of S-PRG barrier coat on dentin surfaces can inhibit biofilm formation as well as protecting the dentin surface against demineralization.

Clinical significance: Coating material containing S-PRG fillers might be used for caries prevention, through inhibiting biofilm formation, enhancing mineralization, and reducing acidic attack by cariogenic bacteria.