A chlorine releasing solution as an alternative for dental biofilm control

To evaluate the antibiofilm activity of a chlorine-releasing solution (CRS) and its in vitro effects on enamel color stability, surface roughness, and microhardness. A mixed biofilm composed of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans was formed on standardized bovine enamel specimens (6 × 6 × 2 mm). After 48 h of maturation, the specimens were immersed for 5 min in CRS (Granudacyn, Mölnlycke Health Care), 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX, positive control), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, negative control). Antibiofilm activity was determined by colony-forming unit counts (CFU/mL). For enamel property evaluation, new specimens were treated once daily for 30 s using immersion or spray protocols. Color changes (ΔE₀₀), roughness (ΔRa), and microhardness (ΔKHN) were assessed at 1, 7, 15, and 30 days. CRS significantly reduced microbial counts compared with PBS and showed activity comparable to CHX. Surface roughness remained stable across treatments, except for CHX spray at 30 days (p < 0.05). CRS immersion resulted in lower microhardness values than PBS but did not differ from CHX. At 30 days, CHX spray produced the highest microhardness reduction (p < 0.05). No significant differences in color were observed among treatments. CRS demonstrated antimicrobial activity comparable to CHX without greater alterations in enamel surface properties under the tested conditions.