Title: Effect of a Varnish Containing Chlorhexidine and Thymol (Cervitec<sup>®</sup>) on Approximal Caries in 13- to 16-Year-Old Schoolchildren in a Low Caries Area
Abstract: <i>Background:</i> Previous studies on the effect of the chlorhexidine and thymol-containing varnish (Cervitec<sup>®</sup>) have consistently shown a reduction in <i>Streptococcus mutans</i>, while the data on the caries-inhibiting effect are conflicting. <i>Aim:</i> To measure the effect of a chlorhexidine- and thymol-containing varnish (Cervitec) on approximal caries in a low caries population. <i>Material:</i> Eighty-five schoolchildren, 13 years of age, entered the study after being selected on the basis of bitewing radiographs. Children with at least one approximal lesion were included after informed consent. <i>Methods:</i> The study was carried out as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial according to a split-mouth design using Cervitec on one side and a placebo varnish on the other side. All approximal surfaces between molars and premolars were treated every 3rd month. After 2 years new bitewing radiographs were taken. A total of 73 children completed the 2-year study. <i>Results:</i> Neither the difference in number of new lesions between the Cervitec-treated and the placebo-treated side (d: –0.21; 95% CI: –0.57; 0.16) nor the mean difference in number of already existing lesions that progressed (d: –0.01; 95% CI: –0.33; 0.30) were statistically significant (paired<i></i>t test; p > 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> The results of our study do not indicate an effect of Cervitec on initiation or progression of approximal caries in a population with a low DMFS.
Publication Year: 2003
Publication Date: 2003-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref', 'pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 20
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