A reduction of streptococcus mutans in orthodontic special needs patients

Methods: 60 patients (aged 6-16 years), 23 M-37 F, 56 suffering from S. Down, 2 S. Williams, 1 S Taby of Rubistein and 1 from partial agenesis of the tongue, were divided into 3 groups. Each group has made rinse 1 time/day for 4 weeks respectively with mouthwash: Dentosan ® (chlorhexidine 0.12% no alcohol, Johnson & Johnson), Oral-B ® Fluorinse (sodium fluoride 0.2%), saline 0.9% NaCl. The bacterial load was assessed through microbiological testing at T0, T1 (after 2 weeks) and T2 (after 4 weeks from T0) with sampling saliva obtained before any dental treatment, chewing a paraffin tablet for 20 seconds.

Results:

T0-T2 S. Mutans T0-T1 S. Mutans T1-T2 S. Mutans

Group 1 Reduced 75.4% Reduced 36.2% Reduced 61.4%

Group 2 Reduced 53.7% Reduced 31.3% Reduced 32.6%

Group 3 Increased 15.4% Increased 20% Increased 32.3%

T0-T2 S. Total T0-T1 S. Total T1-T2 S. Total

Group 1 Reduced 31.4% Reduced 14.5% Reduced 19.8%

Group 2 Reduced 13.4% Reduced 5.9% Reduced 8%

Group 3 Increased 31.4% Increased 14.5% Increased 19.8%

Conclusion: despite our study is still preliminary the mouthwash based on chlorhexidine compared to that based on sodium fluoride significantly reduced the colonies of S. Mutans and S. Total, acting in a more incisive in the second half of treatment and more selective against S. Mutans. It is therefore indicated as aid home oral hygiene in patients with orthodontic treatment, being able to determine a significant reduction in the cariogenic risk.