Citric acid reduces oral biofilm and influences the electrochemical behavior of titanium: An in situ and in vitro study

• Published in: Journal of periodontology (1970) 2019-02, Vol.90 (2), p.149-158
• Main Authors: Souza, João G. S., Cordeiro, Jairo M., Lima, Carolina V., Barão, Valentim A. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: biofilms; citric acid; corrosion; Dentistry; titanium
• ISSN: 0022-3492; 1943-3670
• DOI: 10.1002/JPER.18-0178

Background Citric acid (CA) has been suggested as an effective antimicrobial agent against biofilms formed on titanium. However, the antimicrobial effect of CA in biofilms formed in the oral environment and its effects on the physical properties of titanium surface remain unknown. Therefore, this study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of CA on in situ biofilm, whether this treatment favors the bacteria recolonization and its effect on the electrochemical properties of titanium. Methods In the in situ test, volunteers wore a palatal appliance containing titanium discs. After 7 days, the discs (N = 21) were exposed in vitro to the following treatments: immersion in 0.9% sodium chloride (control); 40% CA immersion; and 40% CA rubbing. Afterwards, these discs (N = 18) were exposed in vitro to new bacterial adhesion with Streptococcus sanguinis. New discs (N = 18) without biofilm were exposed to the treatments and subjected to electrochemical tests and surface characterization. Data were analyzed by one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD test. Results The CA groups showed a significant reduction (≈ 5‐log reduction) in the biofilm formed in situ compared with the control group (p