A two-year randomized clinical trial of chlorhexidine varnish on dental caries in Chinese preschool children.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of six-monthly professional applications of chlorhexidine varnish on the prevention of dental caries in primary molars in Chinese preschool children. In a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 334 children aged 4-5 years were randomly divided into two groups. Children in the test group received six-monthly applications of a 40% chlorhexidine varnish, and the control children received a placebo varnish. Caries status of the children was assessed by two calibrated examiners at baseline and after 24 months, according to criteria recommended by the World Health Organization. The two-year mean caries increments in the test and the control group children were 1.0 and 1.6 decayed, missing, or filled molar surfaces (dmfs-molar), respectively, a 37.3% reduction (t test, p = 0.036). No side-effects were found. It was concluded that six-monthly applications of chlorhexidine varnish were effective in reducing the incidence of dental caries in primary molars.

• Authors: M Q Du, B J Tai, H Jiang, E C M Lo, M W Fan, Z Bian
• Journal: Journal of dental research (J Dent Res) Vol. 85 Issue 6 Pg. 557-9 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 0022-0345 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16723655 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Placebos
• Chlorhexidine

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Child, Preschool
• China
• Chlorhexidine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• DMF Index
• Dental Caries (prevention & control)
• Double-Blind Method
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Molar (drug effects)
• Placebos