Antimicrobial activity of chlorhexidine in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

Abstract

Aim: Oral environment of orthodontic patients undergoes changes, such as pH reduction, larger number of sites available for Streptococcus mutans collection, and increased accumulation of food particles, which may lead to an increased number of S. mutans colony-forming units (CFU) in saliva. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is the most potent documented antimicrobial agent against Mutans streptococci and dental caries. The aim of this work was to assess efficiency of CHX-based mouthwashes in patient with fixed orthodontic appliances. Methods: Twenty patients with fixed appliances were selected for this study. They were undergoing full-bonded non extraction treatment with metal brackets (Roth 0.22, Discovery Dentaurum) on their teeth and bands on their molars. Each patient was provided with a toothbrush and toothpaste. The mouthwashes were used by patients according to the manufacturers’ directions 15 min after toothbrushing: 5 mL of 0.2% CHX (Corsodyl, GlaxoSmithKline) was applied for 60 s in the morning and before bedtime for 2 weeks. Results: The data were analyzed according to the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed rank test (SPSS software). Statistical significance level was set at p<0.05. Conclusions: The use of CHX-based mouthwashes in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances led to reduction in the level of S. mutans.