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The Effect of 1% Chlorhexidine Varnish and 40% Xylitol Solution on Streptococcus Mutans and Plaque Accumulation in Children
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The Effect of 1% Chlorhexidine Varnish and 40% Xylitol Solution on Streptococcus Mutans and Plaque Accumulation in Children

Renata Simões Moraes, Adriana Modesto, Kátia Regina Netto dos Santos and David Drake
Pediatric dentistry, Vol.33(7), pp.484-490
11/15/2011
PMID: 22353407

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Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the association of 1% chlorhexidine varnish (CHX) and 40% xylitol solution (XYL) on Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts and plaque indices in 2- to 5-year-olds. Methods: Sixty-eight children were selected with medium levels (1 x 103) to very high levels (>1 x 105) of SM in the saliva. Subjects were divided into 4 groups of 17 children each: (1) CHX; (2) CHX+XYL; (3) XYL; and(4) 0.05% sodium fluoride (F). An assessment of SM levels and plaque indices was done on all children at baseline, 15 days, and at 1, 3, and 6 months. SM levels were determined by the spatula method. Results: Although the reduction in SM counts in all groups was statistically significant, differences among groups were not observed, and the CHX and F groups seemed to show the greatest effect. Plaque reduction was observed in all groups, whereas statistically significant decreases among groups were not observed. Conclusions: One percent chlorhexidine varnish associated with 40% xylitol solution tested in the present study does not provide significant suppression of Streptococcus mutans counts and reduction of plaque accumulation at any follow-up time points.
Preventive Dentistry Cariology Chlorhexidine Streptococcus Mutans Xylitol

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