The Effect of Addition of an EPS Degrading Enzyme with and without Detergent to 2% Chlorhexidine on Disruption of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopic Study

Background Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most commonly occurring organisms retrieved from root canal treated teeth that show refractory apical periodontitis. Though it is well known that the ability of E. faecalis to form a matrix-encased biofilm contributes to its pathogenicity, the role of extracellular dextran and DNA in biofilm formation and its effect on the susceptibility of the biofilm to chlorhexidine remains poorly understood. It was hypothesized that the addition of an Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) degrading enzyme along with a detergent to chlorhexidine may increase the susceptibility of the E. faecalis biofilm.