title: Effect of One Percent Chlorhexidine Addition on the Antibacterial Activity and Mechanical Properties of Sealants: An in vitro Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of addition of 1% chlorhexidine digluconate solution on the antibacterial activity and mechanical properties of glass ionomer and resin based sealant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Conventional glass ionomer sealant (GIS) (Fuji VII, Japan) and resin sealant (Clinpro 3M ESPE, USA) were used in this study. Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) (20%) liquid was added to both the sealants, and the concentration of chlorhexidine in sealants was adjusted to 1%. The sealants were divided into four groups as: group A (GIS), group B (GIS + 1% CHX), group C (resin sealant), group D (resin sealant + 1% CHX). Five cylindrical specimens were prepared in each group. Their antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, and their mechanical properties (compressive strength and diametrical tensile strength) were assessed. Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used appropriately for statistical analysis (SPSS version 19).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Addition of one percent chlorhexidine significantly increased the antibacterial activity of both the sealants. There was a significant difference between groups A and B (p < 0.009), and groups C and D (p < 0.008). There was no significant difference in the mechanical properties of the sealants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Addition of one percent chlorhexidine to the glass ionomer and resin based sealants provided sufficient antibacterial activity, without significantly affecting the mechanical property of the sealants. How to cite this article: Shanmugaavel AK, Asokan S, John JB, Geetha Priya PR, Gnana Devi J. Effect of one percent Chlorhexidine Addition on the Antibacterial Activity and Mechanical Properties of Sealants: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(3):196-201.
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Student, Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Arunachalam Karthikeyan
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Shanmugaavel
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Sharath
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Asokan
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: J Baby
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: John
authors.affiliation: Reader, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, KSR Institute of Dental Science and Research, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Pr Geetha
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Priya
authors.affiliation: Dental Surgeon, Department of Dentistry, Arunz Dental Clinic, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors.forename: Jagadeesan Gnana
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Devi
keywords: Antibacterial activity; Chlorhexidine; Pit and fissure sealants.