Regulation of Cariogennic Flora inChildren after the Topical Application of Chlorhexidine with Regard toBacteriological Findings and Caries Increment; a three-year-clinical Trial

Overview

The effect of repeated topical application of chlorhexidine (CLX)-containingvarnish was evaluated in a three-year-clinical trial. The study was conducted on a group ofchildren (aged 14–17) with high caries experience (DMFT §§§ 5). The CLX containing varnishCERVITEC (Vivadent) was applied in six-month-time intervals and patients were repeatedlyexamined clinically and bacteriologically (salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli). Re-sults showed that repeated application of CERVITEC varnish significantly decreased cariesincrement and improved gingival status and oral hygiene when compared with findings in thecontrol group without CLX application. Screening evaluation of salivary levels of cariogennicbacteria did not reveal reproducible and sufficient predictive value. The topical antibacterialprophylaxis of caries by the CLX containing varnish is an effective and safe method suitableas an adjunct means to oral hygiene and fluoride prevention in individuals at higher risk ofdental caries.

Key words:
caries risk children – antibacterial prophylaxis – chlorhexidin