Effect of Chlorhexidine and Fluoride Varnishes on Streptococcus mutans Count and Dental Plaque Index

AbstractThe control of dental plaque by chemical means can be a valuable auxiliary resource for individuals who have difficulties in performing dental plaque control through regular oral hygiene procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine and fluorine varnishes on the levels of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) present in the dental biofilm and on the dental plaque index. The study was carried out in a sample comprised thirty-nine schoolchildren between 13 and 15 years of age, distributed into 2 groups. Group I received a single layer of varnish with chlorhexidine and thymol on the maxillary right first molar. Group II received the application of varnish with fluoride following the same methodology. S. mutans count and dental plaque index recording were performed 7 days before the application and 7, 15 and 30 days after the treatment. It was observed that chlorhexidine and fluoride varnishes significantly reduced the number of S. mutans in dental plaque for 30 days (p<0.05). There was no difference between the varnishes. With regard to the dental plaque index, there was no alteration in any of the experimental time periods for both groups. It was concluded that varnishes, mainly those that contain fluoride, can be an interesting alternative for the prevention of dental caries in collective oral health programs. Keywords: Chlorhexidine. Fluorides. Dental Plaque. ResumoO controle da placa dental por meios químicos pode ser um valioso recurso auxiliar para indivíduos que apresentam dificuldades em realizar o controle da placa dental por meio de procedimentos regulares de higiene bucal. O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos vernizes de clorexidina e de flúor sobre os níveis de Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) presentes no biofilme dental e sobre o índice de placa dental. O estudo foi realizado em uma amostra composta por 39 escolares, entre 13 e 15 anos de idade, distribuídos em 2 grupos. O grupo I recebeu uma única aplicação de verniz com clorexidina e timol no primeiro molar superior direito. O grupo II recebeu a aplicação de verniz com flúor seguindo a mesma metodologia. A contagem de S. mutans e o índice de placa dental foram registrados 7 dias antes da aplicação e 7, 15 e 30 dias após o tratamento. Observou-se que os vernizes de clorexidina e flúor reduziram significativamente o número de S. mutans na placa dental por 30 dias (p <0,05). Não houve diferença entre os vernizes. Com relação ao índice de placa dental, não houve alteração em nenhum dos períodos experimentais para ambos os grupos. Concluiu-se que os vernizes, principalmente aqueles que contêm flúor, podem ser uma alternativa interessante para a prevenção da cárie dentária em programas coletivos de saúde bucal. Palavras-chave: Clorexidina. Fluoretos. Placa Dentária.

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