J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2018 Aug;18(4):223-233. 10.17245/jdapm.2018.18.4.223.

The efficiency of topical anesthetics as antimicrobial agents: A review of use in dentistry

• Kaewjiaranai T
• Srisatjaluk RL
• Sakdajeyont W
• Pairuchvej V
• Wongsirichat N

• KMID: 2419064
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2018.18.4.223

Abstract

Topical anesthetics are commonly used in oral & maxillofacial surgery to control pain in the oral cavity mucosa before local anesthetic injection. These anesthetic agents come in many forms, developed for different usages, to minimize adverse reactions, and for optimal anesthetic efficiency. Earlier studies have revealed that these agents may also limit the growth of microorganisms in the area of anesthetic application. Many topical anesthetic agents show different levels of antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains and Candida. The dosage of local anesthetic agent used in some clinical preparations is too low to show a significant effect on microbial activity. Efficiency of antimicrobial activity depends on the local anesthetic agent's properties of diffusion within the bloodstream and binding efficiency with cytoplasmic membrane, which is followed by disruption of the bacterial cell membrane. The antimicrobial properties of these agents may extend their usage in patients to both control pain and infection. To develop the topical local anesthetic optimal usage and antimicrobial effect, a collaborating antiseptic agent may be used to benefit the local anesthetic. However, more research is required regarding minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of topical local anesthetic agents with drug interaction between anesthetics and antiseptic agents.

Keyword

Antimicrobial Activity; Local Anesthetics; Microorganism; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; Topical Anesthesia

MeSH Terms

Anesthetics*
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Infective Agents*
Candida
Cell Membrane
Dentistry*
Diffusion
Drug Interactions
Humans
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Mouth
Mucous Membrane
Surgery, Oral
Anesthetics
Anesthetics, Local
Anti-Infective Agents

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