Comparative Evaluation of The Effect of Newly Formulated Citrullus Lanatus Dental Varnish with Fluoride and Chlorhexidine Dental Varnish Against Common Oral Microflora

Abstract

Aim: Caries is a very common disease that affects people all over the world, and although it has become less common, it is still a serious public health issue. Varnishes for the local delivery of antimicrobial drugs have been created and studied in vitro and in vivo over the past ten years. This study aims to compare the antibacterial effect of a newly formulated Citrullus lanatus based dental varnish against commercially available fluoride and chlorhexidine dental varnishes.

Materials and Methods: The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNp)  was done using an extract of Citrullus lanatus. A new dental varnish was formulated using the synthesized nanoparticles, and the antibacterial activity of the varnish was studied against the available fluoride and chlorhexidine varnishes using the disc diffusion method. The varnish was studied in two different concentrations, and the zone of inhibition was measured after the incubation period using a vernier caliper.

Results: The results of the study showed that the zone of inhibition  of the varnish at both concentrations was comparable to that of commercially available fluoride and chlorhexidine varnish, and the activity increased with an increase in concentration.

Conclusions: From this in vitro study, it can be concluded that there was a significant antibacterial activity of the Citrullus lanatus based AgNp varnish against common oral microflora such as S. mutans, C. albicans, E. faecalis, and Lactobacillus sp.

Clinical Significance:

This newly developed dental varnish will prevent the formation of dental caries, which will be essential in any clinical practice as it is one of the most common oral disorders in the world. The addition of silver nanoparticles increased the antibacterial activity of the varnish against oral microflora.