Aims: This research aimed to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine varnish in preventing dental caries in patients with cleft lip and palate.
Settings and Design: The study was conducted as a clinical trial. The clinical part was carried out at Pediatric Dentistry Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University and the laboratory work was carried out at Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine.
Subjects and Methods: 60 children with (CL/P) with an age range from 8-12 years were included in the study. The selected children were divided into three equal groups; Group (I) topical chlorohexidine varnish was applied, group (II) topical fluoride varnish, while in group (III) included children received oral health education only. Salivary samples were collected from each child at baseline, one day, three months, six months and twelve months intervals. Salivary samples were prepared for measuring salivary pH and streptococcus mutants counts and scheduled immediately before and after varnish application.
Results: Group I where chlorohexidine varnish was applied shown an improvement in dental caries prevention during follow up period until one year.
Conclusions: Chlorohexidine varnish is better than fluoride varnish for cleft children.