Efecto antimicrobiano de la clorhexidina al 2% en cavidades dentales tipo I.

Abstract

Introduction: Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, ferment sugars and starches, producing acids that promote dental caries. These microorganisms can survive in acidic environments, persisting within the dental cavity. The use of disinfectants is essential to eliminate them from inanimate surfaces; however, their application on mucous membranes can be toxic and does not always guarantee the complete removal of pathogens and spores. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine as an antimicrobial agent in Black Class I dental cavities. Materials and Methods: Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sample consisted of 24 patients. Initially, the bacterial plaque of each patient was measured. Samples were collected at two stages: at the end of the cavity preparation (M1) and after the application of 2% chlorhexidine (M2). One restoration was performed per patient. Results: The prevalence of microorganisms in M1 was 87.5%, with a predominance of alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus from the viridans group (83.3%) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (4.2%). After treatment, a statistically significant reduction was observed in M2 (p-value < 0.05), with a decrease in the presence of alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus from the viridans group to 25% and complete elimination of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The percentage of patients without microorganisms increased from 12.5% in M1 to 75% in M2. Conclusions: The use of 2% chlorhexidine is an effective adjunct in dental restoration procedures to reduce microbial load and prevent complications related to recurrent caries.