[The effect of chlorhexidine varnish system on Streptococcus mutans in fissure plaques]

A chlorhexidine varnish system and a controlled releasing varnish were prepared by the authors. The release rate of chlorhexidine in vitro and the effects on S. mutans and S. sanguis in vivo were determined. The results showed that the system could selectively inhibit the growth of S. mutans in fissure plaque and had no effect on S. sanguis. The period of interaction between the layer of varnish and plaque was prolonged by the control-releasing reagent. The study suggests that the chlorhexidine varnish system is effective of anticaries and can maintain microflora balance in oral bacteria.