Vinegar–hydrogen peroxide for cleaning removable partial dentures: Antibiofilm efficacy and electrochemical degradation on a cobalt–chromium surface

Purpose This study evaluated the antibiofilm activity and electrochemical degradation effects of a combined solution of alcohol vinegar with 4% acetic acid and 3% hydrogen peroxide (3:1 by volume) on a cobalt–chromium (Co–Cr) surface. Materials and Methods A multi‐species biofilm model composed of Candida albicans , Candida glabrata , Staphylococcus aureus , and Streptococcus mutans was grown on the surface of Co–Cr specimens. The hygiene protocol included controlled immersion in type II purified water (negative control), a combined solution, or an effervescent tablet (positive control). The antibiofilm activity was evaluated in terms of microbial load, residual areas covered by biofilm and extracellular polymeric substance, and biofilm morphology. The electrochemical degradation test was evaluated with a potentiostat to measure corrosion potential ( E corr ) and current density ( i corr ). Results The combined solution and effervescent tablet reduced biofilm when compared to the negative control, with no differences between them for microbial load ( p = 1.000) and live biofilm covered areas ( p = 0.946). The effervescent tablet promoted a wide removal of total biofilm and extracellular polymeric substance ( p <0.001). The effervescent tablet promoted the highest corrosion potential on Co‐Cr ( p <0.001). Conclusion The combined solution is a promising chemical agent to enhance the mechanical cleaning method of removable partial dentures, due to the reduction of microbial load of multi‐species biofilm, and preservation of the Co–Cr surface.