THE EFFICACY OF CHLORHEXIDINE IN REDUCTION OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS AT CHILDREN WITH HIGH CARIES RISK

Introduction and Objective Caries has multi-factorial etiology. Dental caries is an indicator of poor oral health. Poor oral health is usually associated with a high number of Streptococcus mutans(SM). The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of chlorhexidine (CI-DC) gel in reduction of Streptococcus mutans at children with high caries risk. Material and methods The studies were conducted in Preventive Dentistry Clinic, Prishtina, Kosovo. A total of 130 children have been included in the study. Children with high caries risk were the preschool children with high caries experience, and school children with fixed orthodontic prostheses. The presence of S mutans was determined using the CRT bacteria test (Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein). Bacterial counts were recorded as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) of saliva. The number of bacterial colonies was graded as follows: Class 0, Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. In both groups of children, were applied chlorhexidine (Cervitec). At the preschool children monthly application of Cervitec varnish for one year, while at the school children daily application of Cervitec gel (chlorhexidine 0.2%-sodium fluoride 0.2%) with a toothbrush and interdental-brush for three months daily in the evening. S.mutans colonies were evaluated at baseline and after one year respectively, three month. The statistical analysis was done using t-test. Results The baseline count of Streptococcus mutans was very high (CFU >= 10(5)). At the baseline the number of high colony (class 2 & 3) was present at 81%, respectively 77%, of examined children. After the application of chlorhexidine, the microbiological analysis showed a significant reduction of Streptococcus mutans in saliva over 20%. Conclusion Chlorhexidine application testified antimicrobial effect that was evident with reduction of S. Mutans colony. Application of chlorhexidine could improve oral health in children especially in those with high levels of S.mutans, such as children with early childhood caries and children with fix orthodontic appliances.