Abstract
AimTo assess the effect of combining 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash with xylitol (XYL) chewing gum on Streptococcus mutans and biofilm levels among 8- to 12-year-old children.Materials and methodsSixty children aged 8 to 12 years were selected with moderate and high salivary S. mutans levels. They were divided into three groups of 20 children each: (1) XYL group where the subjects chewed XYL twice daily; (2) CHX where rinsing was done twice daily; and (3) combination of XYL and CHX group (XYL+CHX) where both the agents were used once daily. The S. mutans colony-forming units (CFUs) were counted by using the mitis salivarius agar plate at the beginning of the study and at 15 days, 1, 2, and 6 months from the start of the study.ResultsThe XYL+CHX group showed the maximum reduction in both the biofilm and S. mutans scores throughout the study period.ConclusionThe XYL+CHX combination reduced both the biofilm and S. mutans score significantly better than either XYL chewing gums or CHX mouthwash used alone.How to cite this articleSyed M, Chopra R, Shrivastava V, Sachdev V. Comparative evaluation of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash, Xylitol Chewing Gum, and Combination of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Xylitol Chewing Gum on Salivary Streptococcus mutans and Biofilm Levels in 8- to 12-Year-Old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(4):313-319.
Highlights
IntroductionW.D. Miller had postulated the chemoparasitic theory for the formation of dental caries more than a century back.[1] Even today, the modern concepts of cariogram demonstrate microorganisms as one of the major etiological factors apart from dietary factors and host factors in the formation of dental caries
Dental caries is an infectious disease commonly found in the oral cavity
It has been well established that mutans streptococci, Streptococcus mutans, are an important caries-associated member of microorganisms in dental plaque.[2]
Summary
W.D. Miller had postulated the chemoparasitic theory for the formation of dental caries more than a century back.[1] Even today, the modern concepts of cariogram demonstrate microorganisms as one of the major etiological factors apart from dietary factors and host factors in the formation of dental caries. It has been well established that mutans streptococci, Streptococcus mutans, are an important caries-associated member of microorganisms in dental plaque.[2] It induces mineral loss due to its adhesive and acidogenic potential resulting from the fermentation of carbohydrates, which keeps the local pH low.[3] targeting S. mutans forms an important measure for the prevention of dental caries, which can be achieved by various mechanical and chemical aids. Many chemical bacteriostatic agents in the form of varnishes, dentifrices, and mouthwashes have been tried for improvement of oral health. Among the various mouthwashes available, the most persistent antimicrobial action has been achieved by chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash.[4]
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