Antibacterial effect of parabens against planktonic and biofilm Streptococcus sobrinus

Tooth decay is an infectious disease caused by bacteria immobilized on the tooth surfaces. Eradication of these bacteria, for example Streptococcus sobrinus (S. sobrinus), from the oral cavity is essential in the prevention and treatment of tooth decay. We have tested the antimicrobial effect of several paraben derivatives such as methyl (MP), ethyl (EP), propyl (PP) and butyl (BP) against immobilized and planktonic S. sobrinus. The antibacterial effect was as follows: MP>EP>PP=BP on immobilized bacteria and MP>EP=PP>BP on planktonic bacteria. An antibacterial synergistic effect was found between several combinations of parabens on immobilized and planktonic S. sobrinus. Our results indicate that parabens are potential antibacterial agents against immobilized or planktonic bacteria found in the oral cavity.