Biofilm reduction and staining potential of a 0.05% chlorhexidine rinse containing essential oils.

OBJECTIVES To assess the biofilm reduction and discolouration potential of a new 0.05% chlorhexidine (CHX) digluconate solution, containing additional essential oil and alcohol components, compared with that of standard control CHX solutions (0.05% and 0.2% CHX). METHODS The potential to reduce total viable counts of growing mixed microbial populations was examined using the Zurich biofilm model. Biofilms were created on sterile pellicle-coated hydroxyapatite discs and exposed to test substances at different time points. After 64.5 h, mean colony-forming units and SDs were determined. Colour change measurements using light reflection analysis were carried out on saliva preconditioned bovine dentin and enamel samples, as well as on composite and glass ceramic restorative materials, after successive immersions in a standardized tea brew and the CHX solutions. RESULTS The test solution was able to reduce biofilm formation by 3 log steps compared with a negative (water) control. This was significantly less effective than the standard control CHX solutions, which reduced viable counts by 6 log steps. Both the test and control solutions exhibited staining on all surfaces. Staining was most pronounced on dentin, followed by enamel and to a significantly lesser degree on the restorative materials. Furthermore, the staining caused by the test solution on these restorative materials was generally lower than that caused by the control solutions. CONCLUSIONS The test solution exhibited an antimicrobial activity. The composition, however, seems to hamper its effectiveness. Accordingly, it produced statistically significant, although by trend less, staining on restorative materials.