EFFECTS OF CHLORHEXIDINE-FLUORIDE VARNISHES IN OCCLUSAL FISSURES OF PERMANENT MOLARS

Abstract

randomly assigned to treatments with either chlorhexidine-fluoride varnish (CHXF, Cervitec F) or chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (CHX-T, Cervitec Plus) as active control. Three children had dropped out so the final results were based on 54 patients with 73 paired first and 8 paired second molars. The varnishes were topically applied at baseline and every 6th week throughout the 24-week study period. Endpoints were MS counts (CRT test) and occlusal LF readings (DIAGNOdent pen) were registered regularly during follow-up by a separate examiner. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS software (version 23.0). Follow-up values were compared with baseline registrations with chi-square or the non- parametric Wilcoxon paired test. For comparison between the two treatment groups, chi-square or a t-test corrected for multiple comparisons was made. The level of significance was set to 5% (p<0.05).

Results: At baseline, >50% (54%) of the occlusal fissures harboured high MS counts (≥105 CFU) but an immediate significant decrease was found after treatment with both varnishes (p<0.05). After 24 weeks, less than 5% (CHX-F: 2%, CHX-T: 4%) exhibited high counts. There was no significant differences between the varnishes at any time point. The mean LF values were similar in both treatment groups at baseline [6.9 ±3.2 (mean ±S.D.)] but a significant reduction was scored in the CHX-F group after 12 and 24 weeks (5.3±2.3 and 3.8 ±2.1, respectively) (p<0.05). A similar reduction was found also in the CHX-T group after 24 weeks (4.6±2.5). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the CHX-F and CHX-T varnishes in terms of MS suppression. Both varnishes reduced the LF readings significantly compared with baseline but further long-term studies are needed to confirm their caries preventive effect. The study was partly supported by a grant from Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Schaan, Liechtenstein who also supplied the dental varnishes, chair-side tests and clinical disposals.