Chlorhexidine efficacy in preventing lesion formation in enamel and dentine: an in situ study.
BACKGROUND
Clinical studies on the caries-preventive properties of chlorhexidine mouthrinses are limited and the results are inconclusive.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to elucidate the contribution of a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse to the protection of enamel and dentine against demineralization.


METHODS
In this randomized two-treatment, two-leg study 14 individuals wearing partial prostheses were enrolled. Sound enamel and dentine specimens were placed in situ for 4 weeks. Twice daily, a mouthrinse was performed with either chlorhexidine or saline (control) depending on the experimental group the participant was allocated to. After the experimental period, plaque samples were collected from the surface of the specimens and from natural tooth surfaces to assess the organic acid production upon a sucrose challenge. The specimens were analyzed for mineral loss by transversal microradiography.


RESULTS
This study could not demonstrate a significantly better protection of enamel and dentine against demineralization by the chlorhexidine treatment compared to saline. No differences in acid production of plaque samples from the chlorhexidine-treated and control groups were observed. This result was also found for plaque samples originating from the natural tooth surfaces.


CONCLUSIONS
Mouth rinsing with 0.2% chlorhexidine did not prevent demineralization of dentine and enamel in situ.
van Strijp
A J P
AJ
Department of Cariology, Endodontology, Pedodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. a.vstrijp@acta.nl
Gerardu
V A M
VA
Buijs
M J
MJ
van Loveren
C
C
ten Cate
J M
JM
D000143:Acids; D000818:Animals; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018441:Biofilms; D002326:Cariogenic Agents / Q000378:metabolism; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002417:Cattle; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000378:metabolism; D003804:Dentin / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008852:Microradiography; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013395:Sucrose / Q000378:metabolism; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000143:Acids; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002326:Cariogenic Agents; D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D019344:Lactic Acid; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013395:Sucrose; D002710:Chlorhexidine