Abstract
Mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine (CHX) are deemed to be associated with dose-dependent side effects, including burning sensation and taste alteration. To overcome these drawbacks, mouthwashes with CHX at lower concentrations with or without adjunctive agents are proposed. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of three CHX-based mouthwashes on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). After 3 days of cell culture, groups were randomly treated for 30 s, 60 s or 120 s with (a) CHX 0.05% in combination with cetylpyridnium chloride (CPC) 0.05%; (b) CHX 0.1%; (c) CHX 0.2%; or (d) NaCl as control. Cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated at 2 h, 3 days and 6 days after the exposure to the different solutions. Similar cell viability values were found among the test groups at all time points. At day 0, higher cytotoxicity was measured in the group treated with CHX 0.2%, in particular after long application time (120 s), while no significant difference was found between CHX + CPC and the control group. All the investigated mouthwashes were well tolerated by HGF cells for the tested application times. The highest cytotoxic effect was observed for CHX 0.2%; therefore, clinicians should consider limiting its usage to carefully selected clinical situations.
Highlights
Oral biofilm is considered the principal etiologic factor responsible for the onset, the development and the recurrence of periodontitis and peri-implantitis [1–6]
The highest values were predictably found in the not only compared to the control (NaCl) group for all time points and exposure times to the mouthwashes
Against our expectations and not in line with the graph (Figure 2), no significant difference was shown between NaCl and CHX + cetylpyridnium chloride (CPC) groups at day 0 (120 s), at day 3 (30 s, 60 s, and 120 s), and at day 6 (60 s and 120 s)
Summary
Oral biofilm is considered the principal etiologic factor responsible for the onset, the development and the recurrence of periodontitis and peri-implantitis [1–6]. Tissue healing can be impaired by the presence and accumulation of oral biofilm after the surgical treatment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases, when effective mechanical self-care cannot be adequately performed [7]. Plaque control is deemed to be essential for both the recovery and the maintenance of healthy tissue conditions [7,8]. In adjunction to professional mechanical debridement, adequate self-administered daily home care is fundamental for the long-term success of the treatments [8–10]. At-home measures frequently include the use of antiseptic mouthwashes. In addition to adequate antibacterial activity, these products should not trigger any allergic reactions or provoke tissue damage [11,12]
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.
