Effect of etching process of glass ionomer cement on its antimicrobial properties

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of etching process ofglass ionomer cement on its antimicrobial properties. One light activated andone chemically activated glass ionomer cement was prepared according to themanufacturer's direction. The specimens of each tested material were dividedinto three subgroups. The obtained results indicated that chemicallyactivated glass ionomer cement showed greater bacterial inhibition than thelight activated system. Etching of glass ionomer cement did not alter itsantimicrobial potentiality. The application of bonding agent over etched glassionomer decreased its antimicrobial activity