Comparative evaluation of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish on plaque Streptococcus mutans count - an in vivo study

• Published in: International journal of dental hygiene 2013-08, Vol.11 (3), p.191-197
• Main Authors: Sajjan, PG, Nagesh, L, Sajjanar, M, Reddy, SKK, Venktesh, UG
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis of Variance; Antimicrobial agents; caries; Cariostatic Agents - administration & dosage; Child; Children & youth; Chlorhexidine - administration & dosage; chlorhexidine varnish; Colony Count, Microbial; Comparative studies; Dental care; dental caries; Dental Fissures - microbiology; Dental Plaque - microbiology; Dental research; Dentistry; Drug Combinations; fluoride; Fluorides, Topical - administration & dosage; gel; Humans; micro-organism; Pit and Fissure Sealants - therapeutic use; S. mutans; Sodium Fluoride - administration & dosage; Streptococcus mutans; Streptococcus mutans - drug effects; Thymol - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 1601-5029; 1601-5037
• DOI: 10.1111/idh.12028

Aim The aim of the study was to assess and compare the effect of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish application on Streptococcus mutans counts in plaque of occlusal pits and fissures of permanent mandibular first molars. Materials and methods The study was an in vivo comparative study, conducted among 50 schoolchildren aged 7–8 years under a field setting. The 50 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. Baseline plaque samples were collected from all the subjects followed by the application of two varnishes, Cervitec and Duraphat. The varnish was applied to pit and fissures of occlusal surface of mandibular first molar. The varnish application was carried out on the first day, fifth day and tenth day after baseline plaque sampling. Subsequent plaque samples were collected at the end of 1 month and at the end of 3 months after the varnish application. Results The Cervitec varnish has shown a statistically significant reduction at the end of 1 month and at the end of 3 months (P  0.05). Conclusion Cervitec varnish was found to be effective in reducing S. mutans count for a 3‐month period, when compared to Duraphat varnish.