An In Vitro Analysis of the Effects of Mouthwashes on the Surface Properties of Composite Resin Restorative Material

Background: Restorative composite resins have clinical prime importance in modern dental practice, but numerous factors influence their prognosis in the oral environment. Their interaction with oral care products, like mouthwashes, is one such factor. This study aimed to evaluate the quantifiable effects of different mouthwashes on the surface properties of the composite resin restorative material.<br /> Methodology: The method involved formulating 90 samples of nanohybrid composite resins (Medicept Dental India Private Limited, Mumbai, India). The samples were treated with 1% alcohol, without alcohol, and with a saline solution (control). Surface roughness (Ra values) and microhardness had been checked before and after an exposure period of 24 hours. Data were thus tabulated, and from that, average values of surface roughness and microhardness were derived. This data was analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a t-test were used to compare the means of the variables. The level of significance was fixed at p < 0.05. Results: The surface roughness value was significantly highest in the ethanol-containing mouthwash-treated samples after 24 hours of exposure (p < 0.05). The microhardness was statistically lower in these samples (p < 0.05).<br /> Conclusion: These research data give quantitative information, however, about the mass effect of mouthwashes on the composite resin restorative material. The presented changes, which were illustrated by the values of surface roughness and microhardness, are drawing attention to the fact that a cautious approach must be taken in the recommendations for oral care in the provision of intensive treatments with restorative composite resins.