The Antimicrobial Activity of the Three Commercially Available Intense Sweeteners Against Common Periodontal Pathogens: an in Vitro Study

Aim: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of three commercially available intense sweeteners against two common periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Materials And Methods: Three commercially available intense sweeteners namely saccharin, aspartame and sucralose were obtained and powdered. Necessary concentrations of the sweeteners were prepared by mixing them with an inert solvent. The antimicrobial efficacy was assessed using agar well diffusion technique. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: All the three sweeteners showed significant antimicrobial activity against the periodontal pathogens tested. Sucralose containing sucralose showed maximum zone of inhibition, against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Saccharin and aspartame containing saccharin and aspartame respectively, showed maximum zone of inhibition, against Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Conclusion: All the sweeteners used in this study have demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity. Therefore, these sweeteners could be recommended as an ideal alternative to sucrose.

Clinical Significance: Dental caries and periodontal diseases are ubiquitous diseases of mankind caused by microorganisms. Dental caries is caused by sucrose. By altering the source like intense sweetener we can combat caries as well as with its antimicrobial properties against periodontopathic bacteria, we can reduce prevalence of periodontal diseases.