New findings about releasing of chloride ions and quaternary ammonium compounds from conventional and experimental glass ionomers

Introduction:
Glass ionomer cements (GICs), the most frequently used restorative materials in pediatric dentistry, may be used as medium for slow release of other active anti-microbial components apart from fluoride.

Objectives:
The objectives of this study were to determine the level of released chloride ions and anti-microbial compounds by incorporating 2% anti-microbial agents into conventional and experimental GICs.

Material and methods:
The study was carried out using a conventional glass ionomer cements ChemFlex and Fuji IX as well as experimental glass ionomer cement MP4 and anti-microbial compounds, such as cetylpyri­dinium chloride and benzalkonium chloride. A total of 36 specimens (4 mm × 6 mm) were prepared, including 6 specimens of each GIC integrated with 2% of anti-microbial agents, and other six samples of the same cement without any anti-microbial agents used as a control group. Amounts of released Cl– ions were determined with the use of an ion-selective electrode, and amounts of anti-microbial agents were determined by UV/VIS spectrophotometer. Measurements were performed at 9 successive time intervals starting from fifteenth minute and finishing after seven days.

Results:
The results obtained show a continual release of both chloride ions and anti-microbial compounds from analyzed GICs that increased over time.

Conclusions:
In comparison with conventional GICs, MP4 GIC produces a significantly higher release both of chloride ions and anti-microbial compounds.