Determination of chlorhexidine retention in different oral sites using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine chlorhexidine retention in different oral sites after a one-time 30 s mouth rinsing. Design: Five volunteers were asked to rinse their mouth with 10 ml of 0.2 % chlorhexidine digluconate for 30 s. After rinsing, samples were collected from the interdental area, buccal dental pellicle, anterior labial and posterior buccal mucosa, and saliva with a microbrush at five-time points within 24 h. Retention of chlorhexidine was measured using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry with a quantification limit of 15 ng/ml. Results: Chlorhexidine remained in the oral cavity at micrograms per milliliter levels for 11 h after mouth rinsing and was even detected 24 h after application. The results showed a distinct decline of intraoral chlorhexidine levels during the first 6 h after rinsing and it was then retained at low concentrations for at least 24 h. Conclusions: The dental pellicle and oral mucosa were favorable sites for chlorhexidine retention. The novel method used for chlorhexidine determination offered excellent quantification limits and readily permitted quantification of chlorhexidine.