Comparative Evaluation of Different Varnishes and Pit and Fissure Sealants on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva of Children

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of different varnishes: 3M ESPE Clinpro and Voco Profluorid and fissure sealants-3M ESPE ClinPro and Ivoclar Vivadent Helioseal-F on the S. mutans count in the saliva of children. Materials and methods: Eighty children of 6–12 years of age with no incidence of caries were selected and saliva samples were collected by drooling method after oral prophylaxis. The children were divided randomly into four groups and materials were applied accordingly. Saliva samples were obtained immediately after the procedure as well as 1-month, 3-months and 6-months posttreatment. Saliva samples were inoculated on Mitis salivarius agar and colony counts of S. mutans were obtained. Results: This study showed that both the varnishes and pit and fissure sealants were equally effective in reducing the salivary S. mutans count in children in a time period of 6-months however pit and fissure sealants were more effective in preventing caries. Conclusion: Both varnishes and pit and fissure sealants are equally effective in reducing S. mutans count in saliva.