Some antibacterial properties of periodontal dressings.

Three commercial periodontal dressings were tested for antibacterial activity against salivary microorganisms after having been stored dry or in liquid for 1 and 2 days. Inhibition of growth of mixed salivary flora was evaluated on blood agar dishes. Also, the ability of Strep. mutans to colonize the surface of the dressings was tested. The surface contact test indicated antibacterial activity against salivary microorganisms by freshly made Coe-pak and Wondrpak. Some activity could also be observed after 2 days' storage in about half the experiments. The initial bacteriostatic effect of Peripac was limited to the setting phase. The plaque accumulation test revealed single cells only on the surfaces of Coe-pak and Wondrpak whereas Peripac seemed to be colonized by the test bacteria.