Assessing the antimicrobial efficacy of pediatric dentifrices against oral microbes: An in vitro study

Aim: To evaluate antimicrobial efficacy and MIC of four pediatric dentifrices against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Methods: Four commercial toothpastes: Sample I (Fluoride), Sample II (Herbal), Sample III (Xylitol + Nano silver), Sample IV (Xylitol + Fluoride). Positive control: Ciprofloxacin; negative: distilled water. Zones of inhibition and MIC at serial dilutions (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%). Results: At 100% and 50%, Sample I showed highest activity, followed by Sample IV and II. At 25% only Sample I and IV active. Sample III showed no activity even at full strength. Conclusion: Low-fluoride fluoride dentifrice had highest antimicrobial activity; nano-silver/xylitol formulation showed no in-vitro antibacterial effect in this study.