title: Effect of Fluoride Varnish on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Caries Free Children Using Dentocult SM Strip Mutans Test: A Randomized Controlled Triple Blind Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to estimate the count of Streptococcus mutans in saliva of caries free children using Dentocult SM strip mutans and to evaluate the effect of fluoride varnish on the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of these caries free children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty caries free children were selected for the study based on the information obtained from a questionnaire prepared. They were randomly assigned into the control group and the study group consisting of ten and twenty children respectively. Samples of saliva were collected using the saliva strips from the Dentocult SM kit and after incubation the presence of the Streptococcus mutans was evaluated using the manufacturers' chart. The study group was subjected to Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application after 24 hours following which the samples were collected again.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children was in the range of 10(4) to 10(5) colony forming units/ml. The average Streptococcus mutans count in primary dentition of caries free children after Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application was below 10(4) colony forming units/ml.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fluor Protector fluoride varnish application showed a statistically significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in saliva of the caries free children in the study group.
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: Deepti
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: A
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jeevarathan
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: Ms
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muthu
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.forename: Rathna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Prabhu V
authors.affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India.
authors.lastname: Chamundeswari
keywords: Caries free children; Dentocult SM; Fluor Protector; Saliva.; Streptococcus mutans count