CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS OF FLUORIDE-RELEASING ELASTOMERS .1. SALIVARY STREPTOCOCCUS-MUTANS NUMBERS

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of fluoride-releas ing elastomers on salivary Streptococcus mutans numbers. Twenty-four p atients with fixed orthodontic appliances were randomly divided into e xperimental and control groups consisting of 12 patients each. Convent ional elastomers were in place while two baseline whole saliva samples were collected from each subject in both groups at their regular appo intments. After the second baseline sample was taken, conventional ela stomers were replaced with fluoride-releasing elastomers in the experi mental group, whereas conventional elastomers were continued in the co ntrol group. Three saliva samples were then collected from all subject s at 1-week intervals. Conventional elastomers were placed in all subj ects while two postexperimental saliva samples were collected at regul ar appointments. Results showed that the control group demonstrated no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the percentage of S. mutans over th e 13-week study period. However, after the fluoride-releasing elastome rs were placed, the percent of salivary S. mutans decreased significan tly (p < 0.01) in the experimental group. There was no significant eff ect after the fluoride-releasing elastomers were in place for 2 or mor e weeks.