Caries control in overdenture patients: 18-month evaluation on fluoride and chlorhexidine therapies

The aim of this study was to test the clinical effects of preventive regimens using fluoride and chlorhexidine on caries development in abutment teeth in patients with overdentures. 30 patients with immediate overdentures were distributed at random among three experimental groups. In these groups three different gels (placebo, fluoride, and chlorhexidine-fluoride) were tested by daily application. The patients were recalled at 6-month intervals for a period of 18 months. The life table survival ratios at patient level showed that in the chlorhexidine group caries development in the abutments was significantly reduced. In this group no caries developed. On comparison with the control group (placebo), no preventive effects of the gel were noticed for those in the fluoride group.