Effect of Streptococcus mutans on the flexural strength of resin‑based restorative materials

Abstract

Background: There are a limited number of studies about the effects of microbial aging on the
mechanical properties of restorative materials. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of
simulated aging with Streptococcus mutans on the flexural strength of different resin‑based materials.
Materials and Methods: This experimental study was performed on the blocks of different
types of restorative materials including composite resin, giomer, and a resin‑modified glass
ionomer (RMGI). Moreover, three types of aging, such as 30‑day storage in distilled water, S. mutans,
and germ‑free culture medium, were used in this study. The three‑point bending flexural strength
of the specimens before and after aging was measured according to the International Organization
for Standardization‑4049 standard. Data were analyzed by two‑way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey’s
tests. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Results showed that the 30‑day aging with the S. mutans significantly reduced the flexural
strength of all three types of materials (P = 0.00). In all restorative materials, storage in a bacteria‑free
culture medium acted the same as distilled water, and there was no significant difference between
these two solutions in terms of the flexural strength of the material, compared to the before‑aging
strength (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between S. mutans‑based
aging and distilled water aging regarding RMGI (P = 0.75).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that aging by S. mutans reduced the flexural strength in all three
restorative materials.
Key Words: Aging, flexural strength, Streptococcus mutans