Chlorhexidine Substantivity — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Substantivity — binding to oral tissues and slow release over 8-12 hours
Chlorhexidine's superior antimicrobial efficacy is attributed to its substantivity — the ability to bind to oral tissues (hydroxyapatite, mucous membranes, pellicle, bacterial cell walls) via electrostatic interactions between the cationic chlorhexidine molecule and negatively charged tissue surfaces. It is then slowly released over 8-12 hours, maintaining antimicrobial concentrations. This sustained release mechanism distinguishes chlorhexidine from other mouthwashes and explains its superior anti-plaque efficacy.
Reference: Newman – Newman and Carranza's Clinical Periodontology, 13th ed., 2019