Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine and 10% Dimethyl Sulfoxide at the Resin–Tooth Bond Interface: A Pilot In Vitro Study

Authors

• Kashmiri Chowdhury, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Saveetha University, ChennaiFollow
• Delphine Priscilla Antony, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences Saveetha University, ChennaiFollow
• Praveen Kumar Elango, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaFollow
• Amee Sanghavi, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, CanadaFollow

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine (CHX) versus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in preventing Streptococcus mutans adhesion at the resin-tooth bond interface. H0 states no significant difference in antimicrobial efficacy between CHX and DMSO.

Methods: Fifteen extracted molars were randomly assigned to three groups: 2% CHX, 5% DMSO, and saline (control). Surfaces were treated for 60 seconds, bonded with a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive, and restored with composite resin. Samples were incubated with S. mutans in BHI broth at 37°C for 14 days with broth changes every 48 hours. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) assessed microbial viability.

Results: CHX demonstrated the highest antimicrobial efficacy (mean dead cells = 77.0% ± 15.7), followed by DMSO (22.0% ± 5.7), and control (2.8% ± 2.2%). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences (p < 0.001, confirmed by Tukey’s test.

Conclusion: Both chlorhexidine and DMSO effectively reduced Streptococcus mutans adhesion at the resin–tooth interface, with chlorhexidine exhibiting superior antimicrobial efficacy.

Recommended Citation

Chowdhury, Kashmiri; Antony, Delphine Priscilla; Elango, Praveen Kumar; and Sanghavi, Amee (2026) "Comparative Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of 2% Chlorhexidine and 10% Dimethyl Sulfoxide at the Resin–Tooth Bond Interface: A Pilot In Vitro Study," International Arab Journal of Dentistry: Vol. 17: Iss. 2, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65314/2218-0885.1844
Available at: https://e-journals.usj.edu.lb/iajd/vol17/iss2/3