Antibacterial effects of various endodontic irrigants on selected anaerobic bacteria.

This study was undertaken to determine the antibacterial effects of various endodontic irrigants against six selected anaerobic bacteria. The organisms were mixed separately with dilutions of each of the irrigants in tubes containing fluid thioglycollate broth and allowed to remain in contact for specific time periods before being evaluated for growth. Of the six irrigants tested, chlorhexidine appeared to be the most effective antibacterial substance. Hydrogen peroxide, sodium hypochlorite and REDTA were less effective while the calcium hydroxide and saline solutions proved to be totally ineffective.