Association of Graphene Silver Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) with Photodynamic Therapy for Inactivation of Halitosis Responsible Bacteria in Denture Wearers

Abstract

(1) Background: Poor hygiene and denture presence in the oral cavity are factors that favor bacterial accumulation, the cause of halitosis and of various oral and general diseases. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of inactivating bacteria associated with halitosis in acrylic denture wearers using polymethyl methacrylate resin enhanced with graphene silver nanoparticles and the effect of the resin association with extra oral photodynamic therapy. (2) Methods: Graphene silver nanoparticles in 1 and 2 wt% were added to a commercial acrylic resin powder. Three study groups containing samples from the three different materials were established. The first group was not exposed to the light treatment, and the other two were exposed to red light (laser and light emitting diode) after photosensitizer placement on the disk’s surface. Samples were incubated with Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis. (3) Results: For both bacterial strains, inhibition zones were obtained, showing significant differences for the light-treated samples. (4) Conclusions: Denture resins with antibacterial properties associated with extra oral photodynamic therapy exhibited enhanced antibacterial effects. The procedure could be used as a safer and more efficient alternative technique against halitosis and oral infections in denture wearers.

Keywords

• halitosis
• graphene
• photodynamic therapy
• <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>
• <i>Porphyromonas gingivalis</i>