In vitro antibacterial effect of carbamide peroxide on oral biofilm

Abstract

This study compared the effects of carbamide peroxide (CP) and chlorhexidine (CHX) on oral biofilm in vitro. Collagen-coated hydroxyapatite discs were inoculated with subgingival plaque. After 3 weeks, the emergent biofilms were subjected to 1-, 3-, and 10-min exposures of a 1% CHX gel, a 5% CP gel and rinse, and a 10% CP gel and rinse. Subsequently, the biofilms were stained using a two-colour fluorescent dye kit for confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the volume ratio of dead bacteria to all bacteria was analysed. Compared to a non-treated gel control, the active agents killed bacteria on all the discs, with higher concentration and longer exposure times killing more bacteria. The rinse form disrupted the biofilm quicker than the gel form. Overall, 10% CP showed more disruption of biofilm and a greater proportion of killed bacteria than 1% CHX (p<0.05).

• antibacterial
• biofilm
• carbamide peroxide
• confocal laser scanning microscopy

Acknowledgements

This study is funded by Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia. None of the authors have financial relationships with the materials or method used in this study. Special thanks to Dr Sonja Stojicic, Dr Batoul Shariati and Mr Andre Wong for professional and technical assistance.