Comparison of the antibacterial efficacy of teatree oil, nisin and calcium hydroxide against Enterococcus faecalis

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings Vol. 28; pp. 1477 - 1480
• Main Authors: Thawre, Suruchi, Joshi, Rajesh, Bhardwaj, Sonia B., Bhushan, Jagat
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2020
• Subjects: Calcium hydroxide; E. faecalis; Intra-canal medicaments; Nisin; Root canal failure; Teatree oil; Nisin; Teatree oil; Root canal failure; Calcium hydroxide; Intra-canal medicaments; E. faecalis
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.04.824

Enterococcus faecalis is a microorganism commonly detected in persistent endodontic infections which leads to root canal failure. It can gain entry into the root canal system during treatment, between appointments or even after the treatment has been completed. The use of the effective intra-canal medicaments can significantly enhance bacterial elimination during root canal treatment. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of Teatree oil, Nisin and Calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis. Typtic Soya agar plates were prepared. The agar well diffusion method was used and plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24hr. The antibacterial efficacy was then evaluated. The zone of inhibition (mm) of each antimicrobial medicament was measured by standard method. Maximum antibacterial efficacy was exhibited by Tea tree oil followed by Nisin and Calcium hydroxide. The results showed that Teatree oil and Nisin have better antibacterial efficacy than the routinely used Calcium hydroxide and they can be used as an alternative intra-canal medicament in endodontics.