As one bio-active function proposed for
restorative materials, antibacterial activity can be
highlighted for the restorative treatment of caries.
The ability to control bacteria would be advantageous
to eliminate the risk of further demineralization and
cavitation, since dental caries is an infectious disease
and eradication of cariogenic bacteria is the
important principle. We have been conducting
research on development of various antibacterial
resins by incorporation of a novel monomer
12-methacryloyloxydodecylpyridinium bromide
(MDPB), which has antibacterial activity. The
antibacterial adhesive incorporating this monomer
has been successfully developed and is commercially
available. In this review paper, our research work on
MDPB, including its possible use for future
treatment, is summarized. In addition, the
development of novel glass-ionomer cements
containing chlorhexidine for atraumatic restorative
treatment (ART) is also addressed.