A comparative effect of mouthwashes with different alcohol concentrations on surface hardness, sorption and solubility of composite resins.

UNLABELLED The longevity and durability of composite resins are influenced by the actions of water, saliva, drinks, food and features of the oral environment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of mouthwashes containing alcohol on the surface hardness, sorption and solubility of composite resins. METHODS Disc-shaped specimens were prepared with two composite resins Z250 (Z2) and Z350XT (Z3). Measurements of Vickers hardness were performed before and after immersion in Plax, PerioGard, Listerine, ethanol and distilled water for 12 h at 37°C, followed by a further 12 h at 37°C in artificial saliva. Sorption and solubility were performed according to ISO 4049. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (α=0.05). RESULTS None of the mouthwashes significantly reduced the hardness of the resin Z2 (p>0.05). The greatest change in resin Z3 hardness was produced by PerioGard (p<0.01). Plax produced the lowest changes in the sorption and solubility of resins Z2 and Z3 (p<0.01), followed by Listerine and PerioGard. CONCLUSIONS The sorption and solubility properties of the composite resins were more altered by mouthwashes than the surface hardness.