Effect of chlorhexidine mouthwashes on the microbiota associated with peri- implantitis lesions

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 0.05% and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on the peri-implant pocket microbiota of patients with peri-implantitis. Materials and methods We analyzed the microbial composition of peri-implant lesions in 22 patients before and after a 15-day regimen of thrice-daily use of two commercial CHX mouthwashes containing 0.05% (n = 11) and 0.12% CHX (n = 11). Microbial samples were collected using paper points and the taxonomic composition was determined through sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons using Illumina MiSeq. Results Although individual responses to CHX mouthwash treatment varied significantly, neither concentration produced a statistically significant change in the microbial diversity associated with peri-implantitis, suggesting limited treatment penetration into peri-implant lesions. Similarly, changes in the abundance of specific odontopathogens were not statistically significant. Conclusions We found no significant differences in the effect of mouthwashes with different CHX concentrations on the peri-implant microbiota.