The effect of Chlorhexidine 0.12% Mouthwash on Microhardness and Elastic Modulus of Dentin and Cementum of Healthy and Periodontally Involved Extracted Teeth

Abstract

Introduction:This study aimed toevaluate the effect of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash on microhardness and elastic modulus of dentine and cementum of healthy and periodontally involved extracted teeth. Materials and Methods: Totally, 30 teeth extracted due to chronic periodontitis and 30 healthy teeth that were removed due to orthodontics treatments or latency were examined in this cross-sectional study. In each group, half of the samples were placed in 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash and the other half were placed in artificial saliva for two weeks. Subsequently,1 mm slices from beneath the CEJ in parallel with the horizon were prepared and the microhardness and modulus elasticity of dentin and cementum were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-test (α=0.05). Results: There was an interaction between group and chlorhexidine for the variable of dentin microhardness; however, the interaction between group and chlorhexidine was not significant in terms of the variables of cementum microhardness, dentin, and cementum elasticity (P=0.196, P=0.897, and P=0.829, respectively). The mean dentin microhardness in the healthy and periodontitis samples in chlorhexidine was significantly higher compared to samples without chlorhexidine. In addition, the cementum microhardness, and dentin and cementum elasticity were significantly higher in the healthy group compared to those in the periodontitis group with or without chlorhexidine. Furthermore, the mean cementum microhardness, as well as dentin and cementum elasticity in the group of samples with chlorhexidine was notably higher compared to the group of samples without chlorhexidine. Conclusion:Based on the obtained results,the application of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash improved the mechanical properties of the teeth (microhardness and modulus of elasticity) in the healthy and chronic periodontitis groups compared to those without mouthwash. The mechanical properties of dentin and cementum of healthy teeth were also higher compared to those with chronic periodontitis.

Keywords

• chronic periodontitis
• chlorhexidine mouthwash
• microhardness
• modulus elasticity