Effect of mouthwashes on the microhardness of aesthetic composite restorative materials

BACKGROUND: Mouthwashes are increasingly being used worldwide. However, these preparations are known to have a negative impact on composite resin dental restorations. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of mouthwashes on the microhardness of such restorations. METHODS: Thirty specimens of Tetric N-Ceram composite were prepared. Each composite specimen was cured for 40 seconds and kept in saline solution for 24 hours at 37 °C. Baseline microhardness of each specimen was recorded using an Innovatest Vickers Micro Hardness Tester. Composite specimens were randomly placed in 20 mL of the selected mouthwashes (Colgate® Plax, Listerine® Teeth & Gum Defence, and Closeup® Antibacterial Mouthwash Cool Breeze) and stored in an incubator for 24 hours at 37 °C. Next, microhardness values were rechecked. pH measurements were recorded for each type of mouthwash using a digital pH meter. RESULTS: Due to the acidic nature of Colgate® and Listerine®, the microhardness of the restorations decreased with these mouthwashes; Listerine® caused the greatest decrease in microhardness and had the lowest pH reading (4.34). For Closeup®, with a neutral pH (7.02), no negative effect on microhardness was found; on the contrary, due to the presence of zinc in this latter mouthwash, an increase of the microhardness was found. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the negative effect of acidic mouthwashes on the microhardness of composite dental restorations.