The effects of the combination of chlorhexidine/thymol- and fluoride-containing varnishes on the severity of root caries lesions in frail institutionalised elderly people.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical effects of a fluoride-containing varnish (Fluor-Protector) in combination with a chlorhexidine-containing varnish (Cervitec) on existing root caries lesions in a group of frail elderly subjects.


METHODS
A randomised double blind longitudinal study was utilised. Subjects (n = 102) were randomly allocated to a Test or Placebo group. All leathery and soft root caries lesions in all subjects were coated with Fluor-Protector while the lesions in the Test group were also coated with Cervitec and the lesions in the Placebo group were coated with a Placebo varnish. Treatments were repeated five times in a 12-month period. Clinical parameters associated with root caries, measurements of individual lesions and salivary levels of caries associated bacteria were made at intervals.


RESULTS
The clinical severity of the lesions in the Test group did not change significantly during the 12-month study period. In the Placebo group the mean lesion width and lesion height and length of exposed root increased significantly and the lesions were significantly closer to the gingival margin. There were no significant changes in the salivary levels of caries-associated microorganisms after 12 months although, in both groups, there was initially a significant reduction in the salivary levels of mutans streptococci.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of Fluor-Protector and Cervitec is a useful, simple, quick and non-invasive method for the control and management of existing root caries lesions. The procedure could be performed by a dental hygienist and may be usefully applied in other high-risk groups including persons with Parkinson's disease, debilitating neuromuscular conditions and dry mouth from whatever cause.
Brailsford
S R
SR
Dental Caries Research Group, GKT Dental Institute, Caldecot Road, Denmark Hill, London SE5 9RW, UK. susan.brailsford@kcl.ac.uk
Fiske
J
J
Gilbert
S
S
Clark
D
D
Beighton
D
D
D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004245:DMF Index; D016321:Dental Care for Aged / Q000379:methods*; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods; D003736:Dental Cavity Lining / Q000379:methods*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016330:Frail Elderly / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009911:Oral Hygiene Index; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012112:Residential Facilities; D017213:Root Caries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012648:Self Care; D012821:Silanes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013943:Thymol / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012821:Silanes; C079161:chlorhexidine, thymol drug combination; D013943:Thymol; C022599:Fluor Protector; D002710:Chlorhexidine