Effect of chlorhexidine-thymol varnish on root caries in a geriatric population: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

Abstract 

Objectives

Little is known about the effect of Cervitec^®, a chlorhexidine-thymol varnish, on root caries. Our objective was to determine whether a 3-monthly application of Cervitec^® over 1 year would limit the progress of existing root caries lesions and reduce the incidence of dental root caries in a group of dentate institutionalized elderly, as a complement to their usual oral hygiene practices.

Methods

A double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 68 subjects (34 per group) in two residences in Almería (Spain). Twenty-one subjects with 60 root caries lesions and 25 with 65 lesions, in the Cervitec^® and placebo groups, respectively, completed the study. Varnishes were applied twice in the first week, 1 month later, and every 3 months until the end of the study. Clinical parameters associated with established lesions were determined at baseline and after 6 and 12 months, as was the incidence of root caries lesions.

Results

The clinical evolution of lesions was significantly better in the Cervitec^® group as opposed to the placebo group in terms of width, height, color, and texture. The increase in root caries was significantly lower (p=0.039) in the Cervitec^® group.

Conclusion

According to these results, Cervitec^® may help to control established root lesions and reduce the incidence of root caries lesion among institutionalized elderly.

Keywords: Chlorhexidine-thymol varnish, Elderly, Root caries