Antibacterial activity of various calcium hydroxide solvents against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract

Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis are the most common types of bacteria found in root canal failure. Various ways are done to eliminate such pathogens, one of them by adding various solvents to increase the antibacterial activity of intracanal calcium hydroxide medication. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of various calcium hydroxide solvents against Fusobacterium nucleatum and Enterococcus faecalis. The antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine 2%, glycerin, povidone-iodine 2% and distilled water (control group) as calcium hydroxide solvents were tested in vitro. Zone of inhibition of solvents was observed. The results showed that the remarkable inhibition of the bacterial growth was shown by adding glycerin solvent to calcium hydroxide. This activity was due to its ability in increasing alkaline activity of calcium hydroxide. Hence, glycerin solvent of calcium hydroxide can be used to increase antibacterial activity against root canal microbes.