Comparative Evaluation of Changes in Microhardness of Microhybrid Resin Composites due to use of Mouth Rinses: An In vitro Study

Context: Alcohol based mouth rinses reduce the microhardness of microhybrid composite to greater extent than the non alcohol based mouthrinses Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect on micro hardness of microhybrid resin composites as restorative material by the use of mouth rinses. Materials and methods:Twenty samples of Microhybrid resin based composite) were prepared using a mould which was custom modified. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups of five specimens each (n=5): Group I artificial saliva, Group II Listerine (alcohol based), Group III Lidocam (alcohol based), Group IV Hiora (alcohol free, herbal) The baseline micro hardness values of the specimens were recorded using Vicker's micro hardness. The specimens were then checked for post immersion micro hardness previously mentioned for base line values Statistical analysis used:Paired t test was applied in all the groups to compare the microhardness before and after immersing it in the respective mouthrinses Results: The p values in group II (Listerine) and group III (Lidocam) are statistically significant. Thus, there is significant reduction in the microhardness of microhybrid composites in group II and group III Conclusion:Listerine mouth rinse showed maximum reduction in micro hardness of microhybrid resin composite followed by Lidocam followed by Hiora