Evaluation of bactericidal effect of strong acid electrolysed water against Enterococcus faecalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis in primary molar root canal: an in vivo study

Introduction: Strong acid electrolysed water (SAEW), a root canal irrigant, has shown promise against resistant microorganisms like Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis).

Objective: To compare in vivo antimicrobial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite and SAEW against E. faecalis and P. gingivalis in primary teeth.

Method: Seventy primary maxillary and mandibular posterior teeth of 4-10 year old children were irrigated either with 3% sodium hypochlorite (n=35) or SAEW (n=35). Paper point samples were collected at baseline, after chemo-mechanical preparation and 48 hours after irrigation during pulpectomy. Presence of E. faecalis and P.gingivalis in the three samples were evaluated using culture.

Results: When compared to SAEW, the antimicrobial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite was not significantly different (p>0.05).

Conclusions: SAEW and 3% sodium hypochlorite are equally efficient irrigants against E. faecalis and P.gingivalis in necrotic primary molar teeth.

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2021; 50(3): 416-423