Comparative study for the effect of fluoride and chlorhexidine on dental caries and streptococcus mutans in rats

ABSTRACT

The effects of sodium fluoride, chlorhexidine and a mixture of both on dental caries and Streptococcus mutans in albino rats were demonstrated. Forty-eight young albino rats divided into four equal groups all fed [diet 2000] were used in this study. Topical application of sodium fluoride, chlorhexidine and a mixture of both [by means of painting with a soft brush] was done to groups II, III and IV, respectively. The results revealed that chlorhexidine alone and chlorhexidine with sodium fluoride caused marked reduction in the number of colonies of bacteria even after the stop of the treatment, and also that these agents had a great inhibitory effect on caries production