Effect of Fluoride and Chlorhexidine Varnish on Biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans

The study aimed at finding the action of Fluoride and Chlorhexidine varnish on the amount of biofilm produced by Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Streptococcus mutans isolated from the plaque of 30 patients prior to varnish treatment and following treatment were used for the study. Biofilm production was done by O’ Toole and Kolter method and OD values were recorded spectrophotometrically at 48h. The same was repeated following 48h, 1 month and 3 months after varnish treatment. The amount of biofilm produced was evaluated. The results were compiled systematically and analysed using SPSS 17.0. Group comparison was done by ANOVA test and intergroup comparison at different time intervals was done by Bonferroni t test. Comparison between the groups was done by Tukey’s test. Streptococcus mutans was isolated from all 30 of them after 1month and 3 months following treatment. There was a significant decrease in biofilm production by the isolates after treatment with varnish. This study suggests that there is gradual loss of effect of Fluoride and Chlorhexidine varnish on viability of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque. Nonetheless it can decrease the biofilm producing property of the organism in vitro.