Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficiency of marketed children’s fluoridated toothpastes at diluted concentrations against Streptococcus mutans - An in vitro study

Background: Dentifrices containing fluoride are known to possess anticarious benefits and are also used for enamel remineralization. A dentifrice is the best source of fluoride for children. However, there seems to be a risk of dental fluorosis as children tend to consume passable amount of fluoride from toothpastes itself. Due to the deliberate swallowing of toothpaste and the menace of fluorosis, dentifrices with lower fluoride concentrations for young children are developed and marketed. Aim: The objective of the study is to determine and equate the efficiency of fluoridated toothpastes of children at altered or diluted levels against Streptococcus mutans. Methodology: The preparation of the slurry was done by diluting the measured amount of toothpastes (20 g) in calculated 20 mL of sterile distilled water that gives a 1:1 (toothpaste:distilled water) concentration. Blood agar plates were made, and after solidification of culture medium, wells were made in each agar plate and all the concentrations of the two test materials, i.e., 1:1, 1:4, and 1:8 of 20 μL each were added to respective wells and were incubated at 37°C for 48 h and under strict aerobic conditions. The study was performed and repeated 10 times under sterile conditions. The zone of inhibition was measured using a digitalized Vernier caliper in millimeter. Results: The zone of inhibition of the studied samples against the tested strain was significant at diluted levels of fluoride. Conclusions: The fluoridated dentifrices even after having lesser fluoride concentration show antimicrobial property. Clinical Significance: This study will help us in understanding the antimicrobial efficiency of fluoride at reduced concentrations and thereby can help curb the menace of fluorosis and nip it at the bud. By manufacturing, dentifrices contained reduced levels of fluoride.