PURPOSE: This investigation evaluated in a randomized controlled study the effect of different 1% chlorhexidine varnish (1%CHX-V) regimens on biochemical composition of the dental biofilm. METHODS: Subjects with mutans streptococci > 10(5) CFU/mL saliva, were allocated into 4 groups: A - single 1% CHX-V application; B - 1% CHX-V was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days; C - 1% CHX-V was applied 3 times with an interval of 4 days between each application; and D - placebo varnish was applied once daily on 3 consecutive days. Dental biofilm samples were collected at baseline and 1, 4, and 8 weeks after the final varnish application and evaluated for inorganic phosphate and insoluble polysaccharide concentrations. RESULTS: No difference was observed between all groups during the different experimental periods in relation to biochemical composition. After 1 week, a significant increase was observed in inorganic phosphate concentration, returning to baseline values after 4 weeks. All groups showed a significant decrease in insoluble polysaccharide concentration for more than 8 weeks after treatment. CONCLUSION: Varnish application resulted in modification of the dental biofilm toward a less cariogenic one.
Chlorhexidine; dental biofilm; inorganic phosphate; insoluble polysaccharide
