Antimicrobial Effect of Selenium-containing Primer in Prevention of White Spot Lesions: An In Vitro Study

superoxide radicals, which create a toxic environment for the microorganism, causing lysis of the bacterial cell wall and bacterial cell death.Selenium is safe for human use in amounts as high as 400 μg per day.Conversely, for bacteria, a selenium concentration of 0.5-1 μg is effective in causing bacterial cell death. 5,6Based on these properties, selenium products have been introduced in the form of organo-diselenide-containing primers, sealants, and adhesives.It is hypothesized that the selenium-containing product inhibits white spot formation around brackets, preventing plaque accumulation IntroductIonThere have been many revolutionary changes in techniques and materials since Edward H Angle first introduced fixed orthodontic appliances in the early 1900s.Practitioners aim to deliver the best possible treatment outcome and esthetic results with these advancements.Despite these advances, the success of orthodontic treatment is often compromised by the development of white spot lesions (WSLs). 1 During orthodontic treatment, increased levels of cariogenic bacteria result from plaque accumulation around the appliance, leading to an increased risk of WSLs.The prevalence rate is 73.5% among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. 2arious methods, such as good oral hygiene maintenance, diet modification, and topical fluoride, were found to be effective in decreasing WSLs. 3 However, the use of topical fluoride requires frequent application and patient compliance.Due to these reasons, the use of bonding agents that release antimicrobial agents can prevent enamel demineralization by providing either bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects around the bonding surface, contributing to the success of orthodontic treatment. 4elenium is a naturally occurring, nontoxic, nonleaching trace mineral that is essential to overall health.It is a powerful antioxidant and has been found in enzymes that assist in the formation of