Design and characteristics of new experimental chlorhexidine dental gels with anti-staining properties

Chlorhexidine-based products are often used in medicine and dentistry as dental hygiene and therapeutic products, especially by patients with various oral tissue diseases. However, these products have disadvantages, such as low stability, as well as discoloration of the teeth and dental reconstruction materials.

The aim of this study was to create and evaluate experimental chlorhexidine (CHX) gels with anti-staining properties and to compare them with 3 commercially available products.

For this study, 4 new formulations containing 1% CHX and different anti-staining agents were developed. The properties of these gels were compared with 3 commercial CHX-based dental products. The pH, viscosity, disintegration in water, and anti-staining properties were evaluated.

The pH level of the 4 new CHX gels ranged from 5.92 to 6.33. The viscosity of the experimental gels was higher (85.7÷217.7 Pa∙s) than the commercial ones (11.6÷72.7 Pa∙s). Among the experimental formulations with 1% CHX, the formulation with 5% polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and 0.2% citric acid and the formulation with 1% citric acid were the most stable in terms of pH and viscosity. The disintegration times of the experimental gels were longer (50-70 min) as compared with the commercial products (approx. 20 min). These 2 CHX gels caused less color change of glass ionomer cements in black tea solution.

To conclude, 2 new experimental dental gels based on 1% CHX, one with 1% citric acid and the second with 5% PVP and 0.2% citric acid, had the most favorable physicochemical properties. Further research is needed to evaluate their therapeutic potential in the treatment of diseases of the oral cavity.