Recolonization of Mutans Streptococci after Application of Chlorhexidine Gel

Abstract

Streptococcus mutans is specifically suppressed by intensive treatment with chlorhexidine gel, but the time for recolonization and the effect on other oral bacteria are not totally clear. In this study, recolonization of mutans streptococci was evaluated in nine healthy adult volunteers, who were highly colonized with this microorganism. Stimulated saliva was collected before (baseline) and at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after application of 1% chlorhexidine gel on volunteers' teeth for two consecutive days. On each day, the gel was applied using disposable trays for 3 x 5 min with intervals of 5 min between each application. Saliva was plated on blood agar to determine total microorganisms (TM); on mitis salivarius agar to determine total streptococci (TS) and on mitis salivarius agar plus bacitracin to determine mutans streptococci (MS). Chlorhexidine was capable of reducing the counts of MS and the proportion of MS with regard to total microorganisms (%MS/TM) (p<0.05), but these values did not differ statistically from baseline (p>0.05) after 14 days for MS and 21 days for %MS/TM. The counts of TM and TS and the proportion of MS to total streptococci did not differ statistically from baseline (p>0.05) after chlorhexidine treatment. The results suggest that the effect of chlorhexidine gel treatment on suppression of mutans streptococci is limited to less than a month in highly colonized individuals.

Evaluation of the Effects of Propolis and Xylitol Chewable Tablets on the Salivary Concentrations of Oral Micro-organisms in Orthodontic Patients: A Pilot Study

“…In addition, it is not suitable for children under one year of age. 17 These data corroborate the present study, since no adverse effects were reported by the participants. The industry is incorporating bioactive molecules in different formulations on the market, especially mouthrinses for dental plaque removal such as Malvatrikids ®, Anapyon®, Clinexidin®, Malvatricin Plus® Plax® Colgate Fresh Tea, Propolis®, Calendula®, Malvona®, among others.…”

Dose-response evaluation of a copaiba-containing varnish against streptococcus mutans in vivo

“…There are several reasons for the development of new products with antimicrobial properties, since new microbial resistance, toxicity and high costs of dental materials are being marketed. The main antimicrobial agent in dentistry is chlorhexidine, which when used for a prolonged period causes tooth staining, mucosal irritation, alteration of the taste and loses its pharmacological capacity, occurring the recolonization of bacteria as S. mutans (Vale et al, 2014). Current studies demonstrate weak evidence of the use of chlorhexidine for prevention of dental caries and reduction of S. mutans in children and adolescents (Walsh et al, 2015, Flamee et al, 2015).…”

Microbial Profile and Dental Caries in Cleft Lip and Palate Babies Between 0 and 3 Years Old

“…As we are experienced and also the cheapest and the simplest standardized method for our laboratory capabilities, the conventional quantitative culture techniques are preferred in this study. This microbiological method have been used in some recent researches happening in dentistry and also different fields (Vale et al, 2014; Relvas et al, 2014; Gupta and Gupta, 2015; Ghasemi et al, 2017; Salman et al, 2017). Although it is an old method, it still maintains its reliability and validity.…”