ABSTRACT
This study used the agar well method to compare the antimicrobial effect of cavity disinfectants containing chlorhexidine with other chlorhexidine agents (such as mouthrinses and antiseptics) and to determine whether there was a difference in composite bond strength when these chlorhexidine agents were applied to the dentin surface. All tested solutions showed antimicrobial effect against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans (p < 0.05). However, Savlex was found to be the most effective antibacterial agent against all microorganisms (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the bond strengths obtained from the cavity disinfectants and those of the control group (p > 0.05). However, the mouthrinse and the antiseptic decreased the shear bond strength compared with the control group (p < 0.05).