Antimicrobial Effects of the Combination of Chlorhexidine and Fluoride Varnish in Young Adult Population

Abstract

Aim: (1) Use of a cariogram to evaluate the caries risk assessment in the students. (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish applications on Streptococcus mutans at a 3-month follow-up. Materials and methods: All the students of first year BDS of MS Ramaiah Dental College were included in this study. Caries risk assessment was done using a Cariogram and the students were divided into moderate and low risk groups. Streptococcus mutans count was assessed at baseline for both the groups. Chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish application was done in the moderate risk group at an interval of 1 week. After a period of 3 months, the Streptococcus mutans count was determined for both the groups and the results statistically analyzed. Results: A significant reduction in the Streptococcus mutans count in the moderate risk group was seen at a 3 month follow-up. Conclusion: The combined use of both chlorhexidine and fluoride varnish applications reduced the oral Streptococcus mutans count to significantly low levels in the study group at the 3-month follow-up.