Cleaning a root canal is important for successful endodontic treatment. Currently, several irrigants have
been suggested for primary teeth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cleaning ability of various root
canal irrigants in primary teeth. Forty-four primary anterior teeth with periapical lesion were selected and divided into
four groups using different root canal irrigants: 1 % sodium hypochlorite; 2 % chlorhexidine liquid; 2 % chlorhexidine
gel and normal saline. The roots were prepared for SEM analysis. Four areas of each one third were examined and
scored. The data were analyzed using Kruskal Wallis H and Friedman test. Result showed that the best cleaning
was found in the coronal third and the worst in the apical third (P<0.01). Cleaning result of chlorhexidine gel did
not significantly differ from that of sodium hypochlorite. In addition, the cleaning ability of chlorhexidine gel was
better than that of chlorhexidine liquid in all root thirds. No significant difference was observed between chlorhexidine
liquid and normal saline in any root thirds. It was concluded that the least effective cleaning ability of all irrigants
were found in the apical third, chlorhexidine gel showed better cleaning than chlorhexidine liquid and normal
saline, but did not differ from sodium hypochlorite.