Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triphala and Propolis-modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: The antimicrobial activity of restorative materials has a major role in preventing recurrent caries. AIM: To assess the antimicrobial activity of triphala and propolis-modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were prepared using cylindrical molds (6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness). A total of 30 samples were prepared containing 10 samples in each group. Group I, 10 samples of glass ionomer with aqueous extract of triphala were prepared; group II, 10 samples of glass ionomer with 50% of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP); and group III as control consisting of 10 samples of glass ionomer. The samples were placed in to agar plates containing inoculum of S. mutans and Lactobacillus and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours and using a digital caliper, zones of inhibition formed around specimens were measured. RESULTS: Data obtained were analyzed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test followed by pairwise comparison was done using Dunn-Bonferroni test. Group I and group II showed highest antimicrobial efficacy against S. mutans and Lactobacillus with no statistical significant difference, i.e., (p value > 0.05) but in both groups I and II, there was a statistical significant difference when comparing with group III i.e., (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thus, triphala and propolis-modified GIC provided higher antibacterial effect with increased level of inhibition against the S. mutans and Lactobacillus; hence, it can be used as a choice of restorative material to treat dental caries. Further studies are required to determine the physical and mechanical characteristics of the material. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Paulraj J, Nagar P. Antimicrobial Efficacy of Triphala and Propolis-modified Glass Ionomer Cement: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):457–462.