Chonnam Med J.  2012 Dec;48(3):133-140. 10.4068/cmj.2012.48.3.133.

Antimicrobial Activity of Calcium Hydroxide in Endodontics: A Review

• Mohammadi
• Shalavi S
• Yazdizadeh M

• KMID: 2048801
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4068/cmj.2012.48.3.133

Abstract

The purpose of endodontic therapy is to preserve the patient's natural teeth without compromising the patient's local or systemic health. Calcium hydroxide has been included in several materials and antimicrobial formulations that are used in several treatment modalities in endodontics, such as inter-appointment intracanal medicaments. The purpose of this article was to review the antimicrobial properties of calcium hydroxide in endodontics. Calcium hydroxide has a high pH (approximately 12.5-12.8) and is classified chemically as a strong base. The lethal effects of calcium hydroxide on bacterial cells are probably due to protein denaturation and damage to DNA and cytoplasmic membranes. Calcium hydroxide has a wide range of antimicrobial activity against common endodontic pathogens but is less effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. Calcium hydroxide is also a valuable anti-endotoxin agent. However, its effect on microbial biofilms is controversial.

Keyword

Biofilm; Calcium hydroxide; Candida albicans; Endotoxin

MeSH Terms

Biofilms
Calcium
Calcium Hydroxide
Candida albicans
Cell Membrane
DNA
Endodontics
Enterococcus faecalis
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Hydroxides
Protein Denaturation
Tooth
Calcium
Calcium Hydroxide
DNA
Hydroxides

Figure

• 

  FIG. 1 Structure of the calcium hydroxide molecule.

• 

  FIG. 2 A schematic view of the mechanisms of the antibacterial activity of calcium hydroxide.

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