RESUMO
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of an arginine-containing antihypersensitivity polishing paste on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) adhesion to treated dentin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Dentin discs were treated with acid to expose dentin tubules, and then polished with either pumice or a polishing paste containing arginine. The surface roughness of the treated dentin was measured. The effects of dentin treatment on S. mutans adhesion and glucosyltransferase (GTFs) gene expression were also evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The surface roughness decreased after polishing with both pumice and arginine-containing polishing paste. Moreover, the polishing paste affected gtfB and gtfC expressions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The arginine-containing polishing paste affects S. mutans adhesion, as well as gtfB and gtfC expressions. The polishing paste may be used to prevent caries in exposed dentin areas.</p>