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

Abstract

Considering the important role of bacterial adherence in the pathogenesis of caries, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 10% sodium ascorbate on Streptococcus mutans adherence to bleached enamel surfaces. Methods: Sixty enamel slabs from bovine incisors were used. After polishing the intact enamel surfaces with Soflex disks and sterilization with UV light, the specimens were randomly divided into the following treatment groups: 1: immersion in distilled water; 2: bleaching of enamel surfaces with 10% carbamide peroxide; and 3: bleaching of enamel surfaces with 10% carbamide peroxide followed by 10% sodium ascorbate treatment. Adherence of Streptococcus mutans to enamel surfaces was determined bacteriologically. Data was analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests (P<0.05). Results: 10%carbamide peroxide (group 2) caused a significant increase in surface adherence of Streptococcus mutans compared to group 1(P=0.04), 10% sodium ascorbate after bleaching (group 3) caused a significant increase in surface adherence of Streptococcus mutans compared to groups 1 and 2 (P<0.001). Significance: Use of sodium ascorbate subsequent to bleaching significantly increases adherence of Streptococcus mutans to enamel surface.