Effect of fluoride varnish on Streptococcus mutans counts in plaque of caries-free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans test: a randomized controlled triple blind study.
Dental caries is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and although of multifactorial origin, Streptococcus mutans is considered the chief pathogen in its development. Fluoride is one of the most effective agents used for the reduction of dental caries apart from oral hygiene maintenance.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate the counts of Streptococcus mutans and to evaluate the effect of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish on these counts in the plaque of caries-free children using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans.


METHODS
Thirty caries-free subjects were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire and were randomly assigned to the control group consisting of ten subjects and the study group consisting of twenty subjects. Plaque samples were collected on the strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation, the presence of Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturer's chart. The study group was subjected to a Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application following which the samples were collected again after 24 hours.


RESULTS
The average Streptococcus mutans counts in the primary dentition of caries-free children before and after the application of Fluor Protector fluoride varnish were 10(4)-10(5) colony forming units (CFU)/ml and <10(4) CFU/ml respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed that the study group had a statistically significant reduction in the plaque Streptococcus mutans counts than the control group.
Jeevarathan
J
J
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India. dr_rathan@rediffmail.com
Deepti
A
A
Muthu
M S
MS
Rathna Prabhu
V
V
Chamundeeswari
G S
GS
D001628:Beverages; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000382:microbiology; D008963:Molar / Q000382:microbiology; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011934:Reagent Strips; D012107:Research Design; D012821:Silanes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000382:microbiology; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000627:therapeutic use
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011934:Reagent Strips; D012821:Silanes; D014100:Toothpastes; C022599:Fluor Protector