Abstract
Metal ions such as cobalt (II) and chromium (III) might be present in the oral cavity, as a consequence of the corrosion of Co-Cr dental alloys. The diffusion of such metal ions into the organism, carried by saliva, can cause health problems as a consequence of their toxicity, enhanced by a cumulative effect in the body. The effect of the chlorhexidine digluconate, which is commonly used in mouthwash formulations, on the transport of these salts is evaluated in this paper by using the Taylor dispersion technique, which will allow an assessment of how the presence of chlorhexidine digluconate (either in aqueous solution or in a commercial formulation) may affect the diffusion of metal ions. The ternary mutual diffusion coefficients of metal ions (Co and Cr) in the presence of chlorhexidine digluconate, in an artificial saliva media, were measured. Significant coupled diffusion of CoCl2 (and CrCl3) and chlorhexidine digluconate is observed by analysis of the non-zero values of the cross-diffusion coefficients, D12 and D21. The observed interactions between metal ions and chlorhexidine digluconate suggest that the latter might be considered as an advantageous therapeutic agent, once they contribute to the reduction of the concentration of those ions inside the mouth.
Highlights
The use of metal alloys in the manufacture of dental prostheses has been a common practice for decades
The tracer diffusion coefficients are similar for both salts, and for the mixture as well, at pH 6.4, the predominant cationic species are Co2+ [23]
Tracer diffusion coefficients of CoCl2 and CrCl3 and the mixture of them increase significantly in artificial saliva and in artificial saliva with NaF pH = 7.0, when compared with those obtained in water
Summary
The use of metal alloys in the manufacture of dental prostheses has been a common practice for decades. Several dental alloys have been used in the fabrication of these devices, such as titanium alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, chromium-nickel alloys, etc These alloys are biocompatible and relatively resistant to corrosion, when exposed to certain media (e.g., acid environments [1,2]), and as a consequence of wear [3] resulting from chewing, the release of metal ions in the oral cavity is a matter of concern. If these metal ions are constantly diffusing into body fluids, their concentration in the body will increase and, after a certain latency period, it can reach a toxic threshold value that can cause significant harmful effects on the body (by combining with biomolecules such as enzymes and proteins), leading to health problems [4,5]. Metals such as chromium and cobalt, which may have potential or demonstrated oncogenic effects in humans, must be subject to strict regulations for the protection of humans [7,8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
