Comparison of the Effect of Fluoride Varnish, Chlorhexidine Varnish and Casein Phosphopeptide- Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) Varnish on Salivary Level: A Six Month Clinical Study.

Introduction: Dental caries is the most widespread disease which has a multi factorial origin. is considered to be the chief pathogen in its development. Different varnishes are available which can be used for the prevention of the carious process.

Aim: To compare the effect of fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine varnish and fluoride varnish containing Casein Phosphopeptide - Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (CPP-ACP) on salivary count in children with mixed dentition over a period of six months.

Materials And Methods: Seventy two children of age 6-12 years with mixed dentition were selected fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and divided into three groups: Group I- Fluoride varnish group; Group II- Chlorhexidine varnish group; Group III- MI varnish (fluoride varnish containing CPP-ACP) group. After thorough oral prophylaxis and restorative treatment the varnishes were applied to the teeth once a week for four consecutive weeks in the respective groups. Salivary count (CFU/ml of saliva) was estimated at baseline, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after varnish application. Bonferroni post-hoc test and paired t-test for inter group and intra group comparison was used in the study.

Results: A statistically significant reduction in salivary colony count was seen with all three groups at all the different time intervals. Maximum reduction was noted in chlorhexidine varnish group at all the intervals after varnish application.

Conclusion: Prevention of dental caries plays a vital role in paediatric dental practice. The use of dental varnish has proved to be effective in reducing the dental caries. Chlorhexidine varnish was found to show maximum reduction in salivary count for six month period, when compared to MI varnish and fluoride varnish. Thus, chlorhexidine varnish can be used as potent caries inhibiting agent and promote good oral health.