Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Fluoride-Based and Self-Assembling Peptide P(11)-4-based Tooth Remineralization Agents on Streptococcus mutans: A Microbiological Study

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a biofilm-related oral disease that continues to afflict the majority of the world’s population. The disease results from an interaction between specific bacteria and dietary constituents within a biofilm known as dental plaque. Among the cariogenic microorganisms, Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) plays pivotal role in caries-inducing processes. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of self-assembling peptide P(11)-4-based tooth remineralization agents on S. mutans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro microbiological study. The antibacterial efficacy of self-assembling peptide P(11)-4 gel (Group 1), fluoride enhanced hydroxyapatite gel (Group 2), acidulated phosphate fluoride gel (Group 3), chlorhexidine gluconate gel 1.0% w/w (Group 4; positive control), and normal saline (Group 5; negative control) was performed using time-kill assay over a period of 24 h and the number of S. mutans colony-forming units (CFUs) were calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney post hoc Test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Group 1 showed mean CFUs (× 10(3)) of 841.33 ± 3.51, Group 2 showed 10035.33 ± 60.68, Group 3 showed 1058.00 ± 56.96, Group 4 showed 0.00 ± 0.00, and Group 5 showed mean CFUs with 15226.67 ± 96.67. The difference in the mean CFUs (× 10(3)) between different groups was statistically significant at P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: The self-assembling peptide P(11)-4-based tooth remineralization agent exhibited an inhibitory influence on S. mutans and hence formation of cariogenic bacteria dominant biofilm can thus be affected by its application.