Prolongation of antibacterial activity of chlorhexidine adsorbed to teeth. Effect of sulfates

The results suggest that the effectiveness of sulfates in prolonging the antibacterial activity of teeth treated with chlorhexidine gluconate is related to the acidity and concentration of the sulfate solutions. The acidity may contribute to the effectiveness by modifying the tooth surface for enhanced reaction with sulfate ions. It is suggested that during the priming process bonded crystals of calcium sulfate develop which become transformed by treatment with chlorhexidine gluconate to relatively insoluble chlorhexidine sulfate.