Sensitivity of Collagenolytic Periopathogenic Microorganisms to Chlorhexidine Solution: A Comprehensive Review of In Vitro Studies

Abstract

Objective: This review evaluated chlorhexidine (CHX)’s beneficial effect as an antibacterial substance on periodontopathogenic bacteria, which can influence the preservation of periodontal tissues and biomaterials. Methods: A search was performed in the PubMed/MedLine, B-On, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library databases. In vitro studies published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2023 in the English language were included; studies that did not correlate the sensitivity of collagenolytic microorganisms to CHX and observational and in vivo studies were excluded. The Quality Assessment Tool for In Vitro Studies (QUIN) evaluated the risk of bias. Results: Eight studies were included; six assessed the inhibitory effect of CHX on the activity of various bacteria associated with periodontitis and collagen degradation; two studies evaluated the same effect only for P. gingivalis. All the studies had an evaluation percentage above 70%, representing a low bias risk. Conclusions: There is a relationship between collagen degradation and the microorganisms in periodontal diseases. CHX showed efficacy against various microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and cell viability. CHX demonstrated significant implications for preventing and treating infections associated with collagen degradation.