Aim: The current study was conducted to compare and evaluate the effects of a new Fluoride varnish containing Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) and a conventional Fluoride varnish on dental plaque and streptococcus mutans count in high caries risk patients.
Methodology: Thirty-Four high caries risk patients received randomly two types of varnishes, either Fluoride varnish containing CHX and CPC (Cervitec F) or conventional Fluoride varnish (Flour Protector) as an active control. Dental plaque index (PI) and digital image analysis (AI) to disclosed plaque as well as mutans streptococci count recording were performed at baseline before the application and at 2nd, 4th, 12th, and 24th week of the study. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA tests & t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test where significance level was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: For the Plaque index and image analysis of dental plaque, both varnishes showed a statistically significant reduction between baseline and all follow-ups. For plaque bacterial count, both varnishes showed a statistically significant reduction between the baseline and all follow-ups. While the Cervitec F varnish achieved a statistically significant reduction compared to the Fluor Protector group.
Conclusion: (1) Both Conventional Fluoride varnish and Fluoride varnish with CHX and CPC can decrease bacterial load and plaque accumulation. (2) Fluoride varnish with CHX and CPC achieved more reduction in streptococcus mutants count compared to the Conventional Fluoride varnish group. (3) Re-application of vanishes every 3 months is preferred for high caries risk patients for better plaque and bacterial control.