To study the effect of Cetylpyridinium Chloride (0.07%) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.2%) mouthwashes on the tensile strength of selected absorbable sutures: An in vitro study

• Author Details:   
• Yogita Fakira Kshirsagar
• Varsha Jadhav
• Prashanth Shetty ^*

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Introduction: Proper wound closure is vital for optimal healing in periodontal surgeries, and suture materials must maintain mechanical integrity when exposed to oral environments, including mouthwashes.
Aim & Objective: This in vitro study evaluated the effect of two commonly used antiseptic mouthwashes—Cetylpyridinium Chloride (0.07%) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.2%)—on the tensile strength and elongation of absorbable sutures.
Materials and Methods: Forty suture specimens (Vicryl and Monocryl, 5-0) were tied around rubber rods and immersed in either CPC or CHX mouthwashes. Samples were incubated at 37°C and tested for tensile strength and elongation on Days 1, 3, 7, and 10 using a Universal Testing Machine. Statistical analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA (p<0>
Result: Both suture types showed a progressive reduction in tensile strength and increase in elongation over time. However, sutures immersed in CPC exhibited a significantly greater loss in tensile strength and increase in elongation compared to those in CHX (p<0>
Conclusion: Cetylpyridinium Chloride (0.07%) has a more deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of absorbable sutures compared to Chlorhexidine Gluconate (0.2%). These findings suggest clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing CPC-containing mouthwashes post-surgically, especially when monofilament sutures are used.

Keywords: Sutures Material, Cetylpridinium chloride, Chlorhexidine gluconate, Mouthwashes, Tensile strength, Elongation, Monocryl, Vicryl.