Biomaterial Database

Potential efficacy of chlorhexidine against mutans streptococci and human dental caries. 1994

C G Emilson

Department of Cariology, University of Göteborg, Faculty of Odontology, Sweden.

Chemotherapeutic agents have been considered as having potential for the prevention of dental caries. Several substances have been evaluated as possible candidates, but no antimicrobial agent, with the exception of fluoride, has received as much experimental attention as the bisbiguanide chlorhexidine. This substance represents, so far, the most effective and best-documented agent. To be effective against caries, therapeutic dosages of the antimicrobial agent have to be given for a sufficient but finite time period to sites with established cariogenic plaque. In studies where this principle has been used, the aim has been to eliminate or strongly suppress the population of mutans streptococci. Of various antimicrobial agents and methods tested, the most persistent reduction of mutants streptococci has been achieved by chlorhexidine varnishes, followed by gels and mouthwashes. The best clinical effect resulting in a considerable caries reduction has been obtained when persons highly colonized with mutans streptococci have been treated with gels and when the results of the antimicrobial measures have been verified by microbiological examination.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D009067	Mouthwashes	Solutions for rinsing the mouth, possessing cleansing, germicidal, or palliative properties. (From Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed)	Mouth Bath,Mouth Rinse,Mouth Wash,Bath, Mouth,Baths, Mouth,Mouth Baths,Mouth Rinses,Rinse, Mouth,Rinses, Mouth,Wash, Mouth
D002710	Chlorhexidine	A disinfectant and topical anti-infective agent used also as mouthwash to prevent oral plaque.	Chlorhexidine Acetate,Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride,MK-412A,Novalsan,Sebidin A,Tubulicid,Acetate, Chlorhexidine,Hydrochloride, Chlorhexidine,MK 412A,MK412A
D003731	Dental Caries	Localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. If left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.	Caries, Dental,Carious Lesions,Dental Cavities,Dental Cavity,Dental Decay,Dental White Spots,Carious Dentin,Decay, Dental,Dental White Spot,White Spot, Dental,White Spots, Dental,Carious Dentins,Carious Lesion,Cavities, Dental,Cavity, Dental,Dentin, Carious,Dentins, Carious,Lesion, Carious,Lesions, Carious,Spot, Dental White,Spots, Dental White
D003733	Dental Caries Susceptibility	The predisposition to tooth decay (DENTAL CARIES).	Dental Caries Resistance,Caries Resistance, Dental,Caries Susceptibility, Dental,Resistance, Dental Caries,Susceptibility, Dental Caries
D004338	Drug Combinations	Single preparations containing two or more active agents, for the purpose of their concurrent administration as a fixed dose mixture.	Drug Combination,Combination, Drug,Combinations, Drug
D005460	Fluorides, Topical	Fluorides, usually in pastes or gels, used for topical application to reduce the incidence of DENTAL CARIES.	Fluoride Varnishes,Topical Fluorides,Varnishes, Fluoride
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000287	Administration, Topical	The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example.	Drug Administration, Topical,Administration, Topical Drug,Topical Administration,Topical Drug Administration,Administrations, Topical,Administrations, Topical Drug,Drug Administrations, Topical,Topical Administrations,Topical Drug Administrations
D013295	Streptococcus mutans	A polysaccharide-producing species of STREPTOCOCCUS isolated from human dental plaque.