Does mouthwash degrade the force of orthodontic latex elastics?

With the surge of COVID-19 pandemic, orthodontists have recommended the use of mouthwashes. However, this product frequently contains ingredients that can modify the mouth's pH and elastic force. This study examined the influence of mouthwashes on latex elastic force deterioration. One hundred orthodontic latex elastics (1/4”) were separated into five groups: control, zinc sulfate 0.2%, chlorhexidine 0.2%, sodium fluoride 0.2%, and povidone–iodine 1%. The samples were stretched to 19.05 mm, stored in artificial saliva solutions, and incubated. Groups 2–5 tested mouthwashes for 60 seconds every 12 hours and then reverted to artificial saliva. Force was measured using a five-times-activated tension gauge. Elastic force was tested at five-time intervals: baseline, 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours. The statistical analysis included two-way ANOVA and the Tukey post–hoc test. Results showed statistical differences for the time intervals and force degradation of orthodontic latex elastics (p<0.05). The majority of force loss occurred within six hours of extension and immersion. Mouthwashes had no influence on the reduction in elastic force (p>0.05). The force degradation of orthodontic latex elastics was unaffected by mouthwashes. The lowest force degradation was generated by povidone–iodine, followed by zinc sulfate, sodium fluoride, and chlorhexidine.