Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

Microbiological evaluation of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse in orthodontic patients.

Sari E, Birinci I

Department of Orthodontics, Kasimpasa Military Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. emel_sari@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse on Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients, aged 13-18, with fixed orthodontic appliances participated in the study. The levels of S mutans and lactobacilli in saliva samples were evaluated at four stages: at the beginning of the orthodontic treatment, at least 2 weeks after the bonding of brackets, 1 week after the introduction of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse, and at the fourth week. The changes in S mutans and lactobacilli levels were analyzed via Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Increases in bacterial levels of S mutans and lactobacilli were detected after the orthodontic appliances were bonded. A significant decrease in S mutans levels was observed 1 week after the introduction of chlorhexidine mouth rinse. CONCLUSIONS: An 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse decreased S mutans levels, but had no effect on lactobacilli levels.

Published 9 August 2007 in Angle Orthod, 77(5): 881-4.
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