Abstract
In a randomized clinical trial, we evaluated the effect of a 10% chlorhexidine varnish (Chlorzoin) on the mother-child transmission of Streptococcus mutans and on subsequent caries experience. Chlorhexidine (n = 38) or a placebo varnish (n = 37) was applied to the dentitions of 75 mothers at a time when their first babies were about 6 months old (approximate time of first tooth emergence). Three more applications at weekly intervals and subsequent applications at 6-month intervals followed the initial application. The mother-child pairs were followed up until the child's fourth birthday. Maternal salivary S. mutans levels in the treatment group remained significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to the control group up to 12 months after the initial application. However, this intervention did not significantly alter the S. mutans colonization in children or the caries increment in either the mother or the child.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Anti-Infective Agents, Local / administration & dosage
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Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use*
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Cariostatic Agents / administration & dosage
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Cariostatic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Child, Preschool
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Chlorhexidine / administration & dosage
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Chlorhexidine / therapeutic use*
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Dental Caries / microbiology
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Dental Caries / prevention & control*
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Ethanol / administration & dosage
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Ethanol / therapeutic use*
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
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Lacquer
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Mothers*
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Polyurethanes / administration & dosage
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Polyurethanes / therapeutic use*
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Saliva / microbiology
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Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control
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Streptococcal Infections / transmission*
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Streptococcus mutans / isolation & purification
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Treatment Failure
Substances
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Anti-Infective Agents, Local
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Cariostatic Agents
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Polyurethanes
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chlorzoin
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Ethanol
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Chlorhexidine