The effect of topical fluoride application on the number of salivary streptococcus mutans in orthodontic patients / 대한치과교정학회지

ABSTRACT

The effect of topical application on the number of S. mutans was tested in a group of 44 orthodontic patients (mean age, 12Y 3M). They were divided into 5 groups according to the method using NaF and SnF2. The number of S. mutans CFU were counted in stimulated saliva of each subject at baseline, and after one, two, three, and eight weeks. The following results were obtained. 1. In NaF rinsing group, and NaF topical application and NaF rinsing group, the number of S. mutans per ml saliva was not significantly changed. 2. In SnF2 topical application group, and SnF2 topical and NaF rinsing group, the number of S. mutans per ml saliva was significantly reduced. 3. After 8 weeks, there were no significant reduction of the number of S. mutans in comparison with baseline.