E-ISSN: 2321-6646 | Contact
Effect of Pit and Fissure Sealants on the Prevention of Enamel Demineralization After Exposure to Streptococcus mutans Biofilm: An Vitro Study
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
2General Microbiology Department, Paulo de Góes Microbiology Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
Journal of Pediatric Dentistry 2020; 6(1): 12-19 DOI: 10.14744/JPD.2020.14_20
Full Text PDF

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sealants on the prevention of enamel demineralization and on biofilm metabolic activity.
Materials and Methods: Cavity preparations were performed on 45 blocks of bovine teeth (4x4x4 mm) randomly assigned to three groups (n=15): RI-Riva Light Cure®/SDI; EM-Embrace™ WetBond™ Pulpdent Corp.®; and CO-Natural Flow/DFL resin (negative
control). The sealed blocks were subjected to thermocycling (500 cycles/30 s). Half of the blocks were covered with acidresistant varnish to create a control area (RI, EM, and CO) and an experimental area (RI-EX, EM-EX, and CO-EX). They were subsequently exposed to Streptococcus mutans biofilm for assessment of demineralization by the Knoop microhardness test (50 g/15 s), at 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μm from the interface. In another test, the cylinders of the sealants (4 mmx3 mm) were subjected to the biofilm metabolic activity test.
Results: The RI-EX group showed higher microhardness than CO-EX (p<0.05) and less demineralization when compared to RI at all distances. Microbial activity was lower in EM compared to CO, but not statistically significant in relation to RI.
Conclusion: Both sealants can inhibit enamel demineralization in the presence of S. mutans biofilm.