Evaluation of the synergistic antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine solution 0.2% and phosphoric acid gel 37% against Streptococcus mutans during fissure sealant therapy: An in vitro study

Background and Objective: Pit and fissure sealant therapy is widely used to prevent caries of the occlusal surfaces of posterior teeth. In this treatment, failure is not uncommon. Aim of this study was evaluation of the effects of chlorhexidine solution 0.2% and phosphoric acid gel 37% against Streptococcus mutans to synergize each other's effect on fissure sealant therapy for reducing of risk of the failure. Method: The antibacterial effect of two materials was evaluated by Disc Diffusion method. For checking of accuracy of the test, was used the positive control disck and the negative control disck. SPSS26 statistical software was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the bacterial inhibition halo. Results: Phosphoric acid gel 37% showed significant antibacterial effects. The antibacterial effects of Chlorhexidine 0.2% solution were also comparable to the positive control disc. Conclussion: Application of chlorhexidine solution on the occlusal surfaces shortly before the start of the sealant therapy process can further reduce the number of bacteria. This can reduce the risk for occurrence of decay under the sealant.