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2596593 
Journal Article 
Evaluation of the substantivity in saliva of different forms of application of chlorhexidine 
García-Caballero, L; Carmona, IT; González, MC; Posse, JL; Taboada, JL; Dios, PD 
2009 
40 
2 
141-144 
English 
19169446 
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the in vivo antimicrobial activity of different forms of application of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX).

METHOD AND MATERIALS: A group of 10 volunteers performed mouth rinsings with a 0.2% and 0.12% solution of CHX and applied CHX in the form of a 0.2% gel, a 0.2% and a 0.12% spray and a swab impregnated with a 0.2% solution. Samples of saliva were taken at baseline; 30 seconds; and 1, 3, 5, and 7 hours after each application. An epifluorescence microscopy technique (BacLight Live/Dead stain) was used to evaluate bacterial vitality.

RESULTS: Bacterial vitality under basal conditions was 92%. At 30 seconds after CHX application, the lowest levels of viable bacteria were detected with the 0.2% and 0.12% solutions (1% and 8%, respectively). After 3 hours, the percentage of live bacteria achieved with the gel and sprays was similar to the basal figures (80% to 91%). At 7 hours, bacterial vitality recovered basal percentages, except with the 0.2% solution (77%).

CONCLUSION: The 0.2% solution of CHX had the greatest sustained antimicrobial effect on the salivary flora, confirming the influence of the concentration and form of application on CHX substantivity.