Antibacterial effect of silver-zeolites in glass-ionomer cements

Abstract

In this study, the antibacterial effects of glass ionomer cement containing silver-zeolite were evaluated. New antibacterial glass ionomer cements with silver-zeolite were prepared as follows. Silver-zeolite (1, 3, and 5 wt%) was incorporated into the glass ionomer cement powder and then mixed with the polyacidic liquid at the ratio recommended by the manufacturer. Agar diffusion test was used to evaluation of antibacterial effect. Setting time, film thickness and compressive strength were also determined. Paired samples t-tests and ANOVA were used, and P<0.05 was considered significant. Film thickness and setting time were increased dependent on the amount of silver-zeolite. Glass ionomer cement with 1 wt% of silver-zeolite seemed to increase the compressive strength. However, increasing ratio of compressive strength was diminished beyond 3 wt%. Glass ionomer cements containing silver-zeolite have been successfully demonstrated to have antimicrobial effects on S. mutants in vitro. These results indicate that glass ionomer cement containing silver-zeolite have the potential to enhance antibacterial of dental cement in oral cavity.