Aim: Since deaf children are unable to comprehend or cooperate with
dental treatment due to lack of communication, preventive measures may
be an important way to control the high prevalence of dental caries in
these patients. The aim of the this study was to evaluate the effect of
an intensive treatment with chlorhexidine (CHX) gel, containing either
saccharin or aspartame, in deaf children highly infected with mutans
streptococci (MS). Methods: Eighteen children were randomly divided
into two groups, according to the sweetener used to improve the CHX gel
bitter taste: saccharin or aspartame. Before CHX treatment, saliva
samples were collected to establish baseline microbial data for MS. CHX
gel was applied on two consecutive days, four times the first day and
three times the second day. Saliva samples were then taken after 7, 30,
60, 90 and 120 days to evaluate MS oral recolonization. Results: CHX
gel containing saccharin was not effective on the reduction of MS
levels, while the gel containing aspartame decreased significantly MS
levels after treatment (P<.05). Conclusions: Although a new CHX
application may be necessary after 60 days to control caries risk and
MS levels, CHX treatment should be individually controlled because of
variations in the response of subjects