title: Comparative evaluation of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish on plaque Streptococcus mutans count--an in vivo study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess and compare the effect of chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish application on Streptococcus mutans counts in plaque of occlusal pits and fissures of permanent mandibular first molars.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was an in vivo comparative study, conducted among 50 schoolchildren aged 7-8 years under a field setting. The 50 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups. Baseline plaque samples were collected from all the subjects followed by the application of two varnishes, Cervitec and Duraphat. The varnish was applied to pit and fissures of occlusal surface of mandibular first molar. The varnish application was carried out on the first day, fifth day and tenth day after baseline plaque sampling. Subsequent plaque samples were collected at the end of 1 month and at the end of 3 months after the varnish application.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Cervitec varnish has shown a statistically significant reduction at the end of 1 month and at the end of 3 months (P < 0.05). Duraphat varnish did not show a statistically significant difference in reducing the plaque S. mutans count at the end of 1 month and third month (P > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cervitec varnish was found to be effective in reducing S. mutans count for a 3-month period, when compared to Duraphat varnish.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Dentistry, PMNM Dental College and Hospital, Bagalkot, India. drsajjan12@gmail.com
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Sajjan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nagesh
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sajjanar
authors.forename: S K K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: U G
authors.initials: UG
authors.lastname: Venktesh
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003750:Dental Fissures / Q000382:microbiology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects*; D013943:Thymol / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; C079161:chlorhexidine, thymol drug combination; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D013943:Thymol; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; D002710:Chlorhexidine
keywords: S. mutans; caries; chlorhexidine varnish; dental caries; fluoride; gel; micro-organism