The effect of sustained-release varnish of chlorhexidine in dental plastic shells on salivary Streptococcus mutans.

The suppression of S. mutans is a predominate factor in preventing tooth decay. Sustained-release-delivery varnish of chlorhexidine was applied to dental plastic shells and administered to eight volunteers to be worn while sleeping. Salivary bacterial samples were taken on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35. A statistically significant reduction in S. mutans counts was recorded during the course of the study while a non-significant reduction in the total bacterial counts was found. Our results indicate that the application of chlorhexidine in the form of slow-release varnish in plastic shells is an effective intraoral drug delivery system resulting in reduction of S. mutans.