International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) Vol. 11, No. 4, December 2022, pp. 1350~1356 ISSN: 2252-8806, DOI: 10.11591/ijphs.v11i4.21923  1350 Journal homepage: http://ijphs.iaescore.com Does mouthwash degrade the force of orthodontic latex elastics? Sri Suparwitri, Niswati Fathmah Rosyida, Ananto Ali Alhasyimi Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Mar 26, 2022 Revised Aug 18, 2022 Accepted Sep 6, 2022 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. Keywords: COVID-19 Force degradation Medicine Mouthwash Orthodontic latex elastics This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Ananto Ali Alhasyimi Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Email: anantoali@ugm.ac.id 1. INTRODUCTION When it comes to aesthetic dentistry, orthodontic treatment has become one of the most popular procedures. It is used to correct malocclusion, to provide a healthy occlusion and an aesthetically pleasing appearance [1], [2]. Elastics have long been used in orthodontics to help in the transfer of force to the teeth by orthodontic mechanics. Compared to non-latex elastics, latex elastics possess better flexibility, greater force, a lower price, and the ability to rebound to their original dimensions after substantial deformation. To produce latex elastic materials, natural rubber, an elastomer having a 3D reticulate structure formed by cross- links, is utilized [3]. Over 20 different types of latex elastics are currently used in orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists select appropriate elastics based on force, personal experience, and habit. Elastics reportedly exert force at a 300% extension of their diameter, but the validity of this claim has been questioned, and its force levels vary depending on its size [4], [5]. Contrary to their extensive usage in the field, the mechanical qualities of orthodontic latex elastics (OLEs) are poorly understood. After being loaded over its stress limit, latex elastic becomes fatigued at the weak places due to the lack of homogeneity on the inside or surface of the latex elastic. Dynamic fatigue also develops due to friction between the molecular chains [6]. Owing to the physical and chemical characteristics of latex, orthodontic elastics get fatigued, and force relaxation results in force deterioration [7]. These