Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Rose Bengal and blue light against cariogenic bacteria

Objective: We evaluated the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) with Rose Bengal and blue light LED on bacteria that initiate and promote dental caries. Design: Colony forming units of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus salivarius under planktonic and biofilm conditions were counted after a PDT treatment using Rose Bengal and blue light LED. In addition, cariogenic bacteria from saliva and dental plaques from ten volunteers were used for evaluation of a-PDT treatment. Results: We found that a PDT using Rose Bengal at > 10 mu g/mL had antimicrobial effects on oral Gram-positive S. mutans, S. sobrinus, S. sanguinis, and L. salivarius under both planktonic and biofilm conditions. The effect was also observed for cariogenic bacteria that formed biofilms containing water-insoluble glucans, through which the bacteria are firmly attached to the tooth surface. Moreover, a-PDT led to a marked reduction in cariogenic bacteria in saliva and dental plaques. Conclusion: a PDT could be a useful approach for controlling dental caries in dental surgery.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) using Rose Bengal and blue light LED effectively targeted cariogenic bacteria, reducing their presence in both planktonic and biofilm conditions, as well as in saliva and dental plaques. This approach shows promise for controlling dental caries in dental surgery.