Antibacterial capacity of cavity disinfectants against Streptococcus mutans and their effects on shear bond strength of a self-etch adhesive.

We evaluated the antibacterial properties of three disinfectants [2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and 0.01% urushiol)] against Streptococcus mutans and their effects on bond strength of Scotchbond(TM) Universal. The reduction in bacterial growth was evaluated by the colony counting method.