Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions

Authors

  • Nao Suzuki Fukuoka Dental College; Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry
  • Yoshio Nakano Nihon University; School of Dentistry; Department of Chemistry
  • Takeshi Watanabe Fukuoka Dental College; Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry
  • Masahiro Yoneda Fukuoka Dental College; Department of General Dentistry
  • Takao Hirofuji Fukuoka Dental College; Department of General Dentistry
  • Takashi Hanioka Fukuoka Dental College; Department of Preventive and Public Health Dentistry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2017-0161

Keywords:

Antimicrobial activity, Chemical binding, Hydrogen sulfide, Oral malodor, Zinc ions

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. Material and Methods The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Results Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ >; Cd2+ >; Cu2+ >; Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Conclusions Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

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Published

2018-01-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions. (2018). Journal of Applied Oral Science, 26, e20170161. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2017-0161