Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans adherence to dental sealant containing powdered semiconductor TiO₂

Abstract

We investigated the effect of TiO₂ on the adherence of S. mutans to a dental pit and fissure sealant containing powdered semiconductor TiO₂, which exhibits a photocatalytic reaction. The viability of S. mutans on the sealant containing TiO₂ varied with the bacterial strain. The adherence to the sealant was greatest for S. mutans Ingbritt, followed in order by S. mutans NCTC 10449 and S. mutans GS-5. TiO₂ increased the Brinell hardness number of the sealant, although the flexural strength decreased.