Efeito do flúor e do xilitol na atividade antimicrobiana de dentifrícios infantis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect toothpastes for infants containing fluoride and xylitol presented against Streptococcus mutans, through an agar diffusion test. Six toothpastes were categorized according to the presence/concentration of fluoride and xylitol: 1-Condor Bambinos; 2-Bitufo Cocorico; 3-Colgate Smiles; 4-Bitufo Penelope; 5-Tandy and 6-Aquafresh Kids. After the solidification of an agar medium in the dishes, 200 µL of the inoculum (S. mutans UA 159) were dispensed on the medium and five holes were made in it for the application of the dentifrices, totalizing 10 wells for each one. The plates were incubated at 37oC for 48h. The inhibition zones were analyzed through the ANOVA one-way and Tukey (α=0.05) tests. There was a significant difference between fluoridated dentifrices, as the Aquafresh showed the biggest inhibition halos against S. mutans. The concentration of fluoride influenced the antimicrobial activity of child toothpastes; xylitol, however, had no influence.