High-Velocity Microspray Shows Promise in Caries Management
To combat caries-causing Streptococcus mutans, researchers are studying the effectiveness of high-velocity antimicrobial water microsprays compared to antimicrobials delivered via diffusion or mouthrinse. The Journal of Dental Research published the results of the study, “High-Velocity Microsprays Enhance Antimicrobial Activity in Streptococcus mutans Biofilms,” online in August.
Antimicrobial agents were delivered via high-velocity microspray into S. mutans biofilm at 30° and 90° angles. For comparison, researchers also tested a 30-second diffusive transport and mouthrinse. Antimicrobial penetration was determined by calculating the killing depth using live and dead viability staining. Compared with diffusion and mouthrinse delivery, the team showed that high-velocity microspray delivered significantly more microbeads deeper into the biofilm. The authors also noted that delivery at a 30° angle killed 20% more bacteria than 90° delivery. Cumulative data point to the effectiveness of high-velocity water microsprays to deliver antimicrobials into S. mutans biofilm.
