ABSTRACT
Nowadays, application of sealants is introduced as the most effective method for prevention of occlusal caries. However, the outcome of the microorganisms that are sealed by dental sealants is important. We evaluated the effect of fluoride-releasing fissure sealants on the growth of oral Streptococcus. Pure cultures of Streptococcus mutans, sanguis and salivarius were prepared. 0.5 McFarland suspension of newly growed bacteria in normal saline was produced and using a swab, an even culture was prepared on the surface of the culture. Then, experimental fissure sealants were separately placed in 6mm diameter holes in the culture. The samples were divided into four groups; namely, plates merely including microorganisms with no changes applied; plates with microorganisms cured for 20 seconds; plates with microorganisms with cured fissure sealants [20 seconds] placed in them; plates with microorganisms and uncured sealants placed in them. After incubation in 37°C, the diameter of absence of microorganism growth was measured with a ruler in each plate. For each microorganism this test was repeated 6 times and finally the data was analyzed with ANOVA test and t-test. The results showed that fluoride-releasing fissure sealant may prevent growth of Streptococuus sanguis and salivarius [p<0.05] and the effect of this fissure sealant in preventing growth of Streptococcus mutans is not significant [p=0.05]. Furthermore, the curing process may increase antibacterial properties of fissure sealants. Clinpro-3M [fluoride releasing] may prevent growth of oral Streptococcus [sanguis, salivarius]