Effect of Mouthwashes and Brushing Simulation on the Surface Roughness of a Bulk Filled Composite Resin - An in vitro Study

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases seen in the world and it’s restoration is one among the most common procedures done by dentists throughout. In this article the influence of mouthwashes and simulated tooth brushing on the surface roughness of a bulk filled composite resin is checked. The aim of the study is to analyse the effect of mouthwashes and brushing simulation on the surface roughness of a bulk filled composite resin.

Materials and Methods: The present study was an in vitro study conducted in a university dental hospital located in Chennai. The bulk fill composite resin (ivoclar vivadent brand) was manipulated into putty moulds. The specimens were divided into two groups, group 1 and group 2. Two mouthwashes were selected namely chlorhexidine gluconate and betadine 2%. Group 1 was subjected to immersion in chlorhexidine gluconate and group 2 was subjected to immersion in betadine. Ra, Rq and Rz surface roughness values of these specimens was calculated before immersion in mouthwash. The brushing was performed, with a dentifrice slurry (Colgate and distilled water). Each specimen was subjected to toothbrushing with a soft toothbrush. The specimens underwent 1000 cycles of brushing after which the surface roughness analysis was performed. Toothbrush simulator ZM 3.8 and a stylus profilometer (Mitutoyo SJ-310) was used. For statistical analysis, independent sample t test using SPSS statistics version 22.0 was done.

Results: The mean value of group 1 Ra and group 2 Ra was 0.030 and the p value was 0.000. The mean value of group 1 Rq and group 2 Rq was 0.0239 and 0.0215 respectively and the p value was found out to be 0.134. The mean value of group 1 Rz and group 2 Rz was 0.0030 and 0.0035 respectively and the p value was found to be 0.033. There was no significant changes in surface roughness values between the groups after brushing simulation.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, we found that composite resin samples immersed in chlorhexidine and povidone iodine mouthwash had similar surface roughness values after brushing simulation.