Effect of fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste on number of streptococcal colony forming units of dental plaque

ABSTRACT

Frequent topical fluoride therapy through toothpaste, mouthrinse, professional gels and solutions causes decrease in incidence, pause and repair of dental caries in the enamel. These mechanisms are done through penetration of fluoride ions [F-] and their replacement with hydroxyl ions [OH-] of hydroxyappatite of enamel, interfere with microbial metabolism of dental plaque and bacteriostatic effect on some cariogenic bacterial strains such as streptococci. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste on the number of streptococcal colony forming units of dental plaque. 62 children with 6-7 years old were put in two groups. Samples of dental plaque from each group were collected both before and after use of the fluoride mouthrinse and or toothpaste. The samples were cultured on blood agar to find the number of streptococcal colony forming units [CFU]. The mean colony forming unit was compared inter and intra groups before and after application of Fluoride products. The streptococcal CFU of dental plaque before and after use of the mouthrinse and toothpaste respectively was [1240 +/- 1367, 1253 +/- 1341.5] and [551 +/- 716, 898 +/- 1151]. Statistically, the streptococcal CFU in each group before and after use of the toothpaste and mouthrinse was significantly different. The findings of this study indicated that the fluoride toothpaste and mouthrinse reduce number of streptococcal colony forming units of dental plaque. Also this reduction was not depended on level of [F-] Ions, sort of vehicle of fluoride and frequent application of the fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste