Chlorhexidine varnish can reduce the presence of oral bacteria and related gingival inflammation and enamel decalcification in orthodontic patients, according to a study in the Orthodontic CYBERjournal (March 2010).
Researchers from Al-Tahadi University conducted a double-blind, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine-1% thymol varnish (Cervitec) on the gingival status and Streptococcus mutans count in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances.
"Orthodontic appliances often modify the oral environment as they provide good retention sites for oral microorganisms," the researchers wrote. "Plaque increases around bands and brackets, the composition of the oral flora changes, and cleaning becomes more difficult for the patient. As a result, gingival inflammation and enamel decalcification could result around fixed appliances if proper preventive programs are not followed."
They used a split-mouth technique to follow 30 patients ages 13-18 years, evaluating the efficacy of a single application of the test varnish on two randomly allotted quadrants and a placebo on the other two quadrants. Four parameters -- plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, and Streptococcus mutans counts -- were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months.
"A single application of the test varnish significantly reduced the Streptococcus mutans count in the first month compared to the placebo group," the researchers wrote. In addition, the gingival health was significantly improved by the test varnish at 1 month and 3 months compared to the placebo group.
"This study proved that sustained release devices like chlorhexidine varnishes are a viable option for orthodontic patients," they concluded.
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