A study to evaluate the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental caries

Background: Dental caries is a very common problem affecting population worldwide and at different age group. Many pathogens play a role in its development among them is S.mutans Nowadays, nanotechnology is involved in management of many medical issues and dental caries is one of them. Aim of the work: To assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles on Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental caries. Methods: Fifty specimens were gathered from the surfaces of decaying teeth surfaces and underwent the following: Culture, Identification of organisms was done by Gram staining, colony morphology and biochemical reaction,VITEK2, Evaluation of Streptococcus mutans susceptibility to different concentrations of solution ZnO NPs& Calculating ZnONPs' Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Results :Our study showed , 50% the cases were males aged between 40-60 years, 46% were suffering from underlying disease mainly diabetes. Streptococcus mutans was the most prevalent pathogens 60.0%. The vulnerability of the Streptococcus mutans to ZnO NPs concentration recorded at ranges from 0.5 mg / ml to 10 mg /ml. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnONPs was at dose 0.312 mg/ml. Conclusion: Dental caries is a very common problem that could be a mild condition or lead to serious complications. S.mutans is a prominent cause of this condition. Zinc oxide nanoparticles have antibacterial properties. Restorative and preventative dentistry could be greatly improved by nanotechnology.