Efficacy of a silver colloidal gel against selected oral bacteria .

It is necessary to develop new strategies to protect against bacteria such as S , S , and , which contribute to tooth decay and plaque formation. Our current study investigated the efficacy of a colloidal silver gel in inhibiting biofilm formation by these principal oral bacteria . The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a colloidal silver gel formulation for inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation (Ag-gel) by the principal bacteria that cause plaque formation and tooth decay. The effect of Ag-gel on viability of , , was assessed by quantifying their colony forming units (CFU) in presence or absence of the test gel. The effect of this formulation on biofilm-forming ability of these bacteria was studied through scanning electron microscopy. Using the CFU assays, over 6 logs of inhibition (100%) were found for , , and for the Ag-gel-treated bacteria when compared with the control gel. In addition, the Ag-gel also inhibited biofilm formation by these three bacteria mixed together. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The Ag-gel was effective in preventing biofilm formation by . This Ag-gel should be tested for the ability to block plaque formation in the mouth, through its use as a tooth paste.