Effect of 10% sodium ascorbate on Streptococcus mutans adherence to bleached bovine enamel surface

Abstract

Sodium ascorbate has been suggested to modify bleaching agents' side effects especially on composite resin bonding to dental hard tissues. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 10% sodium ascorbate on Streptococcus mutans adherence to bleached enamel surfaces. Sixty enamel slabs from bovine incisors were used. After sterilization of the intact enamel surfaces with UV light, the specimens were randomly divided into the following treatment groups: (1) immersion in normal saline containing 2% NaN(3); (2) bleaching of enamel surfaces with 10% carbamide peroxide; (3) bleaching of enamel surfaces with 10% carbamide peroxide followed by 10% sodium ascorbate treatment. Adherence of S. mutans to enamel surfaces was determined bacteriologically. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (P < 0.05). 10% sodium ascorbate after bleaching (Group 3) caused a significant increase in surface adherence of S. mutans compared to groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.001). Because of bacterial adherence subsequent to use of sodium ascorbate to bleached enamel caries risk may be increased.