Int J Oral Biol.  2015 Dec;40(4):167-173. 10.11620/IJOB.2015.40.4.167.

Antimicrobial Effect of Low Temperature Atmospheric Plasma against Oral Pathogens

• Kim YM
• Choi BB
• Park SR
• Kim JY
• Kim GC

• KMID: 2133220
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11620/IJOB.2015.40.4.167

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of the low temperature atmospheric plasma device with needle tip designed for easy approach to the oral cavity and root canal against Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The antibacterial activities evaluated by measuring clear zone of agar plate smeared with each bacteria after plasma treatment. To quantify antibacterial effects, dilution plate method was used. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for observation of changes in bacterial morphology. As treatment time of plasma increased, the clear zone was enlarged. The death rate was more than 99%. The SEM results showed that the globular shape of bacteria was distorted. These results suggest that needle tip plasma could be an innovative device for prevention of dental caries, and treatment of apical infection and soft tissue diseases.

Keyword

antimicrobial effect; Streptococcus mutans; Enterococcus faecalis; Candida albicans; nonthermal atmospheric plasma

MeSH Terms

Agar
Bacteria
Candida albicans
Dental Caries
Dental Pulp Cavity
Enterococcus faecalis
Mortality
Mouth
Needles
Plasma*
Streptococcus mutans
Agar