Antimicrobial Efficacy of Smear Clear in the Elimination of Enterococcus faecalis. An In Vitro Study

Authors

  • Javier Alvear-Pérez Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. Specialist in Endodontics, Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9748-7238
  • Stella Pupo-Marrugo Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. Specialist in Endodontics, Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5897-0542
  • José Florez-Ariza Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. MSc in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Specialist in Endodontics, Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8788-5125
  • Liz Guerrero-Rodríguez Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. Specialist in Endodontics, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6853-8867
  • Edgardo Montesino-Ortiz Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. Specialist in Endodontics, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0285-600X
  • Jaime Plazas-Román Dentist, Universidad de Cartagena. MSc in Bioinformatics, Professor, Universidad del Sinú Elías Bechara Zainúm, Seccional Cartagena, Professor, School of Dentistry, Universidad de Cartagena, Colombia. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5040-6899

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/gzn6m691

Keywords:

Enterococcus faecalis; Root canal irrigants; Anti-bacterial agents; Microbial sensitivity tests; Biofilms; Dental pulp cavity.

Abstract

Microorganisms are fundamental etiological factors in pulpal and periapical diseases. Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive facultative anaerobic coccus, can penetrate dentinal tubules and survive chemical-mechanical instrumentation. Endodontic success requires effective irrigation to reach areas inaccessible to instruments. Despite sodium hypochlorite's antimicrobial efficacy, its toxicity necessitates exploring alternatives.  To evaluate Smear Clear®'s antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis. This in vitro study tested Smear Clear® against E. faecalis (ATCC 29212®) strain, determining its antimicrobial efficacy and establishing minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. Bacterial sensitivity was tested using microplate dilution techniques with appropriate controls. Smear Clear® at 100% showed bactericidal activity against E. faecalis. At 50% concentration, it demonstrated the minimum concentration needed for growth inhibition with bacteriostatic properties. Smear Clear® exhibits antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis and represents a potential alternative to sodium hypochlorite in endodontic irrigation, with its components, particularly cetrimide, directly affecting bacterial sensitivity.

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Published

2025-09-24