Document Type : Original articles
Authors
1
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, AL-iraqia university
2
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Dentistry, AL-Iraqia University, Baghdad, Iraq
10.21608/asdj.2025.368564.1929
Abstract
Aim: Dental impressions and stone casts are potential sources of cross-contamination in dental practice, as they can harbor pathogenic microorganisms.
Materials and Methods: This study included 60 stone cast samples, divided into four groups: three experimental groups treated with sodium bicarbonate at concentrations of 8.4%, 4.2%, and 2.1%, and a control group with no treatment. Each experimental group was permitted to rest for thirty minutes after applying the corresponding sodium bicarbonate solution. Microbial swabs collected from the castings post-disinfection were cultured on selective media: Mannitol salt agar for Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus, and Mitis-Salivarius agar for Streptococcus mutans.To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of sodium bicarbonate solutions, the colony-forming units of each microorganism were enumerated and compared across the groups.
Results: The finding showed a decrease significantly (p<0.05) in CFU counts for all three microorganisms in the sodium bicarbonate-treated groups compared to the control group. The highest concentration of sodium bicarbonate (8.4%) demonstrated the most pronounced antimicrobial effect, with mean CFU counts dropping to 0.028 × 10⁶ CFU/mL for Streptococcus mutans, 0.312 × 10⁶ CFU/mL for Lactobacillus, and 0.215 × 10⁶ CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus. The lower concentrations (4.2% and 2.1%) also showed significant reductions, though to a lesser extent (p< 0.05).
Conclusion: Sodium bicarbonate, particularly at higher concentrations, is an effective disinfectant for dental stone casts, significantly reducing the microbial load of Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Its antimicrobial action, attributed to its alkaline nature and the release of carbon dioxide, makes it a viable alternative to more toxic disinfectants.
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