Comparative evaluation of antibacterial effect and physical properties of conventional glass-ionomer cement containing 1% chlorhexidine and 1% xylitol

Abstract

Context: The therapeutic procedures used in the treatment of caries do not always eliminate all the microorganisms. The persisting cariogenic bacteria can cause recurrent caries leading to failure of the restoration. Hence, incorporation of an agent with enhanced antimicrobial effect into the restorative material may be of paramount significance. Aim: To study the effect of 1% xylitol (XYL) (artificial sweetener) and 1% chlorhexidine (CHX) diacetate on antibacterial property against Streptococcus mutans and physical properties of conventional glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Settings and Design: An experimental in vitro intergroup randomized control trial. Materials and Methods: Study consisted of three test groups: Group 1 (conventional GIC), Group 2 (GIC + 1% XYL), and Group 3 (GIC + 1% CHX diacetate). A total of 135 samples were evaluated for antibacterial activity against S. mutans after 48 h and 7 days, and physical properties – compressive strength after 24 h and 7 days and setting time. Statistical Analysis: Multiple group comparison was made using one-way analysis of variance complemented by Tukey's post-hoc test, and intragroup comparison was made by Student's paired and unpaired t-test. Results: At the end of 48 h and 7 days, Group 3 exhibited highest antibacterial effect and Group 1 (control) showed the highest compressive strength after 24 h and 7 days, setting time was slightly prolonged for Groups 2 and 3. Group 2 and 3 exhibited a similar effect on physical properties. Conclusion: CHX diacetate displayed superior antibacterial activity, although both CHX and XYL affected the physical properties of conventional GIC to an equal extent.