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