Effect of Fluoride and Chlorhexidine Varnishes on Oral Hygiene

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Fluor Protector fluoride and Cervitec chlorhexidine varnishes on oral hygiene in patients with root caries. Methods: The study covered 119 subjects aged 35 to 75. In each subject, examination at baseline and after 1 and 2 years included evaluation of PFRI acc. Axelsson, OHI acc. Green and Vermillion, GBI acc. Ainamo and Bay and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels using Dentocult SM. Depending on SM levels and PFRI values patients were divided into groups: Group 1 SM=0 or 1, PFRI<2; Fluor Protector applied to the exposed root surface every 3 months. Group 2 SM=2, PFRI=3; Cervitec applied every 6 months. Group 3 SM=3, PFRI>4; Cervitec applied every 3 months. Group 4 (control) various SM and PFRI values; professional tooth cleaning and oral hygiene instruction every 6 months. Results: At subsequent examinations, OHI values showed a tendency to decrease in the three test groups. In group 2 the mean OHI value at the final examination was the lowest, at 0.75 (p<0.001). In group 3 the final mean value reached 1.43 (p<0.001). Control examinations also showed a dynamic decrease in GBI values in all test groups. After 2 years’ observation, the lowest value of 20% was found in group 2. A decrease was also observed in PFRI and SM values in the test groups, as follows: after 2 years in Group 1 – decrease in SM=1, increase in SM=0, with concomitant changes in classes 2 and 3 (x2=9.989, df=3, p<0.05); group 2 – 44% of patients with SM=1, 20% of patients with SM=0, (Z=3.541, p<0.001); group 3 –46.67% of patients with SM=1, 33.33% with SM=2, 16.67% with SM=0 (Z=3.114, p<0.001). Conclusion: Fluoride and chlorhexidine varnishes used in patients with root caries had a significant effect on oral hygiene and periodontal health.