Antibacterial effects of children’s and adults’ toothpastes containing different amounts of fluoride: An in vitro study

Arthit Klaophimai, Orada Tosrisawatkasem, Sivaporn Horsophonphong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. In recent years, fluoride concentrations in toothpaste for children and adults have increased. However, the effects of different concentrations on bacterial activity have rarely been compared. We aimed to investigate and compare the antibacterial activity of children’s and adults’ toothpaste containing 500, 1000‒1100, and 1450‒1500 ppm fluoride. Methods. Three strains of bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, and Lactobacillus casei) were cultured in brain heart infusion agar. Thirty commercially available toothpaste products for children and adults containing 500, 1000‒1100, and 1450‒1500 ppm fluoride were selected and tested. Toothpaste’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth was evaluated by agar diffusion assay, in which plates were incubated for 24 hours, and then the diameter of the microbial inhibition zone was measured. Comparisons between children’s and adults’ fluoride toothpastes were made using the Mann-Whitney U test. The association between bacterial growth inhibition and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was analyzed by the chi-square test. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. No difference in the inhibition zone was observed for different fluoride concentrations. However, there were significant differences between toothpastes for children and adults, with higher inhibition zones for adults’ toothpastes. Most toothpastes for adults contained SLS, which was associated with antibacterial activity. Conclusion. Fluoride concentrations ranging from 500 to 1500 ppm did not affect bacterial growth. The antibacterial activity of toothpastes for adults was significantly higher than that of toothpastes for children, which was mainly attributed to the SLS usually added to adult formulations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-28
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Adults
  • Antibacterial
  • Children
  • Fluoride
  • Lactobacillus casei
  • Streptococcus mutans
  • Streptococcus salivarius
  • Toothpaste

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Antibacterial effects of children’s and adults’ toothpastes containing different amounts of fluoride: An in vitro study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this