A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECTIVENESS OF VARIOUS SURFACTANTS ADDED TO ENDODONTIC IRRIGANTS – AN IN VITRO STUDY

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate and compare the antibacterial effectiveness of various surfactants added to routine endodontic irrigants against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro experimental study was conducted to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite alone and in combination with surfactants such as cetrimide and Triton X-100. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the well-diffusion method against Enterococcus faecalis. Zones of inhibition were measured after 24 hours of incubation at 37°C. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney U test. Results: All experimental irrigants demonstrated antibacterial activity. Surfactant-modified irrigants showed enhanced antibacterial effectiveness compared to sodium hypochlorite alone. Among the surfactants, cetrimide showed slightly superior antibacterial activity compared to Triton X-100; however, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The incorporation of surfactants such as cetrimide and Triton X-100 enhances the antibacterial effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite, indicating a synergistic interaction that may improve root canal disinfection.