Ozone gas effect on mineral content of dentin exposed to streptococcus mutans biofilm: An energy-dispersive X-ray evaluation

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to assess the effect of ozone gas on dentin exposed to Streptococcus mutans biofilm by evaluation of mineral content [log calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P)] using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. Materials and methods: Five human third molars were sectioned into four slices of dentin and distributed in four groups: I - control (no treatment); II - ozone therapy; III - biofilm development; IV - ozone therapy followed by biofilm development. Mineral content (log Ca/P) was evaluated by EDX. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Results: Results showed that the mineral content of control group (I) was similar to ozone group (II), and was statistically higher than biofilm (III) and ozone + biofilm (IV). The lowest log Ca/P was determined in biofilm group (III). Conclusion: It can be concluded that ozone gas did not grant preventive effects of demineralization by S. mutans biofilm on dentin surface. Clinical significance: Ozone gas therapy may be an alternative noninvasive treatment aiming to reduce the levels of caries-associated microorganisms. This therapy may, thereby, be an alternative and/or complementary treatment strategy in preventive dentistry.