Journal of Dental Research, Vol 66, 1025-1028, Copyright © 1987 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Antimicrobial action of new, proprietary lining cements
D. McComb and D. Ericson
The antibacterial activity of innovative, commercial lining cements was
investigated. A liner which contains calcium hydroxide and is polymerized
by visible light (Prisma VLC Dycal) and a glass-ionomer lining cement (GC
lining cement) were compared with two more established lining cements
(Advanced Formula II Dycal and Life). Antibacterial activity and
hemolysis-like agar change at 24, 48, and 72 hours were measured on blood
agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus mutans KPSK 2 (serotype c),
Lactobacillus casei ssp rhamnosus ATCC 11981, and chewing-stimulated
saliva. Prisma VLC Dycal did not affect bacteria or agar. The glass-ionomer
lining cement, with an acidic pH at setting, had the most pronounced effect
on all test organisms and on the agar. Even after 48 hours' setting, it
inhibited growth of S. mutans. The control lining cement (AFII Dycal)
showed antibacterial activity toward both specific micro-organisms as well
as some activity against the salivary organisms. The material Life showed
only partial inhibition of microbial growth. For all lining cements, the
hemolytic-like agar change correlated with antibacterial effects. The
surface pH of the freshly-set cements containing calcium hydroxide was
alkaline. It would seem that a simple correlation between high surface pH
and antibacterial activity among these cements does not exist. Also,
further biological characterization of new lining cements is required to
direct their appropriate clinical use.
