Antibacterial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite versus apple cider vinegar against Enterococcus faecalis in contracted endodontic cavity: An in vitro study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial efficacy of 3% sodium hypochlorite with 5% apple cider vinegar using passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) against Enterococcus faecalis in contracted endodontic access cavity on mandibular molars. Methods: Contracted access cavity was prepared in 30 extracted human permanent mandibular molar teeth. The root canals were incubated with strain of E. faecalis MTCC 9845 (Strain designation – HBL/BAC– 002/08–09) using 15 K-type manual file for 3 weeks. At this point, the S1 sample was collected using 15 paper points. The extracted teeth were randomly divided into two groups: sodium hypochlorite group and apple cider vinegar group. After mechanical instrumentation up to 25/04 rotary files HyFlex CM (Coltene Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland) and use of respective irrigants (3% sodium hypochlorite and 5% apple cider vinegar) using PUI, S2 sample was collected using 25 size paper point. The cultivated samples were incubated at 37°C for 24 h, and the number of bacterial colonies was counted as colony-forming units (CFUs)/mL. Data obtained from S1 and S2 were tabulated and subjected to Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and Mann–Whitney test. Results: There was a significant reduction in microbial count in both groups (P 0.05). Conclusion: Antimicrobial activity of 5% apple cider vinegar is similar to 3% sodium hypochlorite.

Keywords

• apple cider vinegar
• bacterial reduction
• contracted access cavity
• passive ultrasonic irrigation
• sodium hypochlorite