Mutans streptococci suppression by chlorhexidine gel in toddlers

Purpose: The effect of daily toothbrushing with a chlorhexidine gel on the levels of oral mutans streptococci was evaluated in a group of 37 healthy 1 1/2-year-old children. Materials and Methods: The microbial samplings were performed with a modified Strip mutans chair-side technique: a sterile cot ton pellet on a wooden pin was rolled along the surfaces of the upper prima ry incisors and then rolled again on a specially prepared plastic strip. Th e strips were thereafter incubated and cultivated in a selective media. Aft er baseline registrations, the parents were instructed and trained to brush the teeth of their children with a 1% chlorhexidine gel (Corsodyl), twice daily during 14-days. Follow-up samplings were obtained 1 and 3 months afte r termination of gel treatment. Results: The results revealed a statistical ly significant (P < 0.01) reduction of mutans streptococci colonization aft er I month compared with baseline. After 3 months, a certain reduction was still evident although not statistically significant from baseline.