Association of chlorhexidine and high fluoride dentifrice on Streptococcus mutans viability using an in vitro biofilm model

Abstract

<p><strong>Objective.</strong> This <em>in vitro</em> study investigated the effect of Fluoride (F), Chlorhexidine (CHX), and their association on the viability of <em>Streptococcus mutans</em> using a biofilm model. <strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> Biofilms were anaerobically grown on glass slides that were vertically suspended in 24-well plates for 5 days. After 48 h of initial growth, biofilms were treated for the next 72 h, 2x/day with CHX at 0.12% and 2%, F as NaF at 0.08% and 0.4% and their association. <strong>Results.</strong> CHX treatment decreased the bacteria counts either alone or in association with both F concentrations, when compared with control group and the F treatments alone (p<0.05). <strong>Conclusion.</strong> No addition effect was observed when CHX and F were used in combination, when compared with CHX used alone. </p>