Antimicrobial Activity of 0.05 N and 0.1 N Silver Nitrate Mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans: An In Vitro Study

Aim: The introduction of a new drug for preventing dental caries, suitable for localized release in the mouth, has become a need of the hour. Silver nitrate has long been used in dentistry because of its sclerosing and dehydrating properties. This study aimed at evaluating the antimicrobial action of two concentrations of silver nitrate (0.05 N, 0.1 N) against Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and at comparing it with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 0.9% saline. Materials and Methods: Standard strains of S. mutans and C. albicans were cultured on agar plates and disks impregnated with four test solutions, namely Group I: 2% CHX, Group II: 0.1 N silver nitrate, Group III: 0.05 N silver nitrate, and Group IV: 0.9% N Saline was incorporated into these. The plates were then incubated and inhibition zone was measured using calipers. The measured values were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test for a pairwise comparison. Results: The analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a highly significant difference among different groups for both organisms. Further analysis using post hoc test in case of S. mutans showed not much significant difference between group II and group III, but a significant difference was exhibited when compared with group 1 and group IV. In the case of C. albicans, there was a highly significant difference among each group (II > III > 1 > IV). Conclusion: The 0.05 N and 0.1N silver nitrate showed significant antimicrobial action, with 0.1 N AgNO3 being the most effective.