Association of chlorhexidine and fluoride for plaque control and white spot lesion remineralization in primary dentition.
BACKGROUND
Plaque control and caries arrest still remain a challenge for dentists.


OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to assess the effect of the combined use of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish on the visible plaque index (VPI) and white spot lesion (WS) remineralization in primary dentition.


METHODS
A total of 80 caries-active preschool children (3-5 years) were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1 received a chlorhexidine varnish application every week during 4 weeks. Group 2 received a fluoride varnish application every week during 4 weeks. Group 3 received alternated applications of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish during 4 weeks. Group 4 served as control (without any type of cariostatic agent).


RESULTS
There was no statistically significant difference in the VPI and WS remineralization among the groups after 1 month. However, 3 months follow-up demonstrated that group 3 (chlorhexidine + fluoride) showed significantly better results for both VPI and WS remineralization.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined application of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnishes is more effective on plaque and remineralization of incipient caries after 3 months than the same agents applied separately.
de Amorim
Rodrigo Guedes
RG
Department of Paediatric Dentistry, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
Leal
Soraya Coelho
SC
Bezerra
Ana Cristina Barreto
AC
de Amorim
Fernanda Penna Lima Guedes
FP
de Toledo
Orlando Ayrton
OA
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010150:Paint; D013997:Time Factors; D014089:Tooth Remineralization / Q000379:methods*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides; D002710:Chlorhexidine