Cited by 61Oral microbiology and periodontitis researchDental Health and Care UtilizationDental materials and restorations

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 18 of the 19 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 18 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Effects of Two Fluoride Varnishes and One Fluoride/Chlorhexidine Varnish on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus Biofilm Formation in Vitro

Open access
Erdem, Arzu Pinar, Sepet, Elif, Kulekci, Güven, Trosola, Sule Can, Guven, Yegane·2012·International Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the effect of two fluoride varnishes and one fluoride/chlorhexidine varnish on Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus biofilm formation, in vitro. STUDY DESIGN: Standard acrylic discs were prepared and divided into groups based on the varnish applied to the disc surface: Fluor Protector, Bifluoride 12, and Fluor Protector + Cervitec (1:1). Untreated discs served as controls. In the study groups, biofilms of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were formed over 24 h, 48 h, and 5 days. The fluoride concentrations in the monospecies biofilms and viable counts of S. mutans and S. sobrinus were investigated. RESULTS: In all study groups, a statistically significant increase in the viable number of S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells was observed between 24 h and 5 days. In both monospecies biofilms, the greatest antibacterial efficacy was detected in the Fluor Protector and Fluor Protector + Cervitec groups at 24 h. For all groups, the amount of fluoride released was highest during the first 24 h, followed by a significant decrease over the next 4 days. A negative correlation was detected between fluoride concentration and antibacterial effect in those groups with biofilms containing both species. Despite the release of high levels of fluoride, the greatest number of viable S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells was detected in the Bifluoride 12 group. STATISTICS: The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism software (ver. 3). CONCLUSIONS: The Fluor Protector + Cervitec varnish exerted prolonged antibacterial effects on S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilms compared to the other varnishes tested.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This in vitro study compared two fluoride varnishes and one fluoride/chlorhexidine varnish on monospecies *Streptococcus mutans* and *Streptococcus sobrinus* biofilms over 5 days. Fluor Protector + Cervitec showed the greatest and most prolonged antibacterial effect, while Bifluoride 12 had the highest fluoride release but the least inhibitory effect.

Key findings

  • All varnishes significantly reduced viable counts versus controls, but viable *S. mutans* and *S. sobrinus* increased significantly from 24 h to 5 days in all groups.
  • Fluor Protector + Cervitec had the lowest viable counts for both species at 24 and 48 h versus control; Fluor Protector showed the same effect at 24 h, and the antibacterial effect was stronger for *S. sobrinus* than for *S. mutans*.
  • Bifluoride 12 showed the highest fluoride concentrations in both biofilms but also the greatest number of viable *S. mutans* and *S. sobrinus* cells; fluoride release was highest during the first 24 h and then decreased significantly over the next 4 days.
  • A negative correlation was detected between fluoride concentration and antibacterial effect; as fluoride decreased, viable counts increased. The authors concluded that Fluor Protector + Cervitec exerted prolonged antibacterial effects compared with the other varnishes.

Methods

  • In vitro study using 168 standard acrylic discs (10 mm diameter, 2 mm thick) with orthodontic wires; groups were Fluor Protector, Bifluoride 12, Fluor Protector + Cervitec (1:1), and untreated controls, with 40 µL varnish and 7 samples per group.
  • Monospecies biofilms of *S. mutans* NCTC 10449 and *S. sobrinus* NCTC 12277 were formed on saliva-coated discs in TSB with 5% sucrose at 37°C under 5% CO2 and assessed at 24 h, 48 h, and 5 days. Viability was measured by CFU on MSBA; fluoride content was measured by microdiffusion and a fluoride-sensitive electrode, expressed as µg/g wet sample weight.
  • Data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism v3 using Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, Dunn’s, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman correlation tests; significance was set at p < 0.05.

Limitations

  • Stated: the authors note that a possible limitation is the use of monospecific biofilms of *S. mutans* and *S. sobrinus*, and they say monospecific late-colonizing streptococci or mixed-culture biofilms should be used to confirm the results.
  • Evident: saliva was obtained from a single healthy volunteer, which limits generalizability.
  • Evident: the in vitro monospecies biofilm model does not capture clinical caries outcomes or the complexity of the oral microbiota.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.7150/ijms.3637

Cites

18 of 18 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

0 of 18 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingreasoning

    In our experiments, the activity decreased over the experimental period.

    “In our experiments, the activity decreased over the experimental period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the Fluor Protector + Cervitec group, fluoride concentration in S. sobrinus biofilms at 48 h was higher than in S. mutans biofilms.

    “In the Fluor Protector + Cervitec group, the fluoride concentration in the S. mutans biofilms at 24 h was significantly higher than that in the S. sobrinus biofilms; however, at 48 h, the fluoride concentration in the S. sobrinus biofilms was higher than that in the S. mutans biofilms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    In the Fluor Protector + Cervitec group, fluoride concentration in S. mutans biofilms at 24 h was significantly higher than in S. sobrinus biofilms.

    “In the Fluor Protector + Cervitec group, the fluoride concentration in the S. mutans biofilms at 24 h was significantly higher than that in the S. sobrinus biofilms; however, at 48 h, the fluoride concentration in the S. sobrinus biofilms was higher than that in the S. mutans biofilms.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Bifluoride 12 had the lowest inhibitory effect among the three varnishes during the experimental period.

    “while Bifluoride 12 had the lowest inhibitory effect during the experimental period, although it had the highest fluoride concentration.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
      “While Bifluoride 12 showed the smallest inhibitory effect, it had the highest fluoride concentration.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Despite the release of high levels of fluoride, the greatest number of viable S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells was detected in the Bifluoride 12 group.

    “Despite the release of high levels of fluoride, the greatest number of viable S. mutans and S. sobrinus cells was detected in the Bifluoride 12 group.”
    • Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
      “Although the highest fluoride concentrations were found in both biofilms with Bifluoride 12, the highest viable counts of bacteria were also observed in these films.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 8
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 5
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    The fluoride concentration peaked after 24 h then decreased while the thickness of the biofilm increased.

    “The fluoride concentration peaked after 24 h then decreased while the thickness of the biofilm increased.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    The Fluor Protector group showed a significant reduction in viable counts compared to the control group at 24 h in both species.

    “In comparison Fluor Protector group with the control groups the same effect was observed at 24 h in both species.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    For all groups, the amount of fluoride released was highest during the first 24 h, followed by a significant decrease over the next 4 days.

    “For all groups, the amount of fluoride released was highest during the first 24 h, followed by a significant decrease over the next 4 days.”
    • Also stated in: § RESULTS · plain
      “In all groups, the highest amount of fluoride release occurred during the first 24 h, followed by a significant decrease over the next 4 days.”
    • Also stated in: § Conclusions · plain
      “For all groups, the highest amount of fluoride release was observed during the first 24 h, and was followed by a significant decrease over the following 4 days”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingnone given

    The addition of Cervitec to Fluor Protector increased the antibacterial effect and efficacious time of Fluor Protector against both biofilms.

    “The addition of Cervitec to Fluor Protector increased the antibacterial effect and efficacious time of Fluor Protector against both biofilms.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    Although Fluor Protector contained a lower fluoride concentration than Bifluoride 12, its antibacterial effect was better.

    “Although Fluor Protector contained a lower fluoride concentration than Bifluoride 12, its antibacterial effect was better, and this may be explained by the silane content.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    The statistically significant difference between the viable counts of bacteria in the Bifluoride 12 group after 24 h and 5 days shows that this varnish affected bacterial viability at 24 h but that this effect was minor when compared with the other test groups.

    “The statistically significant difference between the viable counts of bacteria in the Bifluoride 12 group after 24 h and 5 days shows that this varnish affected bacterial viability at 24 h but that this effect was minor when compared with the other test groups.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Our experimental model mimics several of the environmental conditions in the oral cavity such as saliva, bacteria and in situ polysaccharide production which affect bacterial adhesion to surfaces.

    “Our experimental model mimics several of the environmental conditions in the oral cavity such as saliva, bacteria and in situ polysaccharide production which affect bacterial adhesion to surfaces.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Study design and conductnone given

    A possible limitation of this study is using monospecific biofilms of S. mutans and S. sobrinus.

    “Possible limitation of this study may include using monospecific biofilms of S. mutans and S. sobrinus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Fluoride concentrations in plaque can reach the millimolar range and can exert inhibitory effects on the oral microflora.

    “Fluoride concentrations in plaque can reach the millimolar range, and, consequently, can exert inhibitory effects on the oral microflora 8,9.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [8] Bradshaw DJ Marsh PD Hodgson RJ Visser JM Effect of glucose and fluoride on competition and metabolism within in vitro dental bacterial communities and biofilms Caries Res 2002 36 81 86 12037363
    • cites [9] Horowitz HS Ismail AI Topical fluorides in caries prevention Fejerskov O, Ekstrand J, Burt BA Fluoride In Dentistry, 2nd ed. Copenhagen Munksgaard 1996 311 327
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Fluoride and chlorhexidine varnishes have both been found to be effective.

    “Fluoride and chlorhexidine varnishes have both been found to be effective 7,9.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Scheie AA The role of antimicrobials Fejerskov O Kidd E Dental Caries: The Disease and Its Clinical Management Denmark, Copenhagen Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2003 179 188
    • cites [9] Horowitz HS Ismail AI Topical fluorides in caries prevention Fejerskov O, Ekstrand J, Burt BA Fluoride In Dentistry, 2nd ed. Copenhagen Munksgaard 1996 311 327
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Several clinical studies have reported that chlorhexidine-containing varnishes produce long-lasting (up to several months) suppression of S. mutans.

    “Several clinical studies have reported that chlorhexidine-containing varnishes produce long-lasting (up to several months) suppression of S. mutans 10,11.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [10] Zaura-Arite E Ten Cate JM Effects of fluoride and chlorhexidine containing varnishes on plaque composition and on demineralization of dentinal grooves in situ Eur J Oral Sci 2000 108 154 161 10768729
    • cites [11] Sorvari R Happonen SS Luoma H Efficacy of chlorhexidine solution with fluoride varnishing in preventing enamel softening by Streptococcus mutans in an artificial mouth Scand J Dent Res 1994 102 206 209 8091120
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Fluoride may interfere with bacterial metabolism and inhibit bacterial growth.

    “Fluoride may interfere with bacterial metabolism and inhibit bacterial growth 8,9.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [8] Bradshaw DJ Marsh PD Hodgson RJ Visser JM Effect of glucose and fluoride on competition and metabolism within in vitro dental bacterial communities and biofilms Caries Res 2002 36 81 86 12037363
    • cites [9] Horowitz HS Ismail AI Topical fluorides in caries prevention Fejerskov O, Ekstrand J, Burt BA Fluoride In Dentistry, 2nd ed. Copenhagen Munksgaard 1996 311 327
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Sustained-release systems, including varnishes, generally show an initial burst, with rapid release of the active agent, followed by a slower phase of release.

    “Sustained-release systems, including varnishes, generally show an initial burst, with rapid release of the active agent, followed by a slower phase of release 7,18.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Scheie AA The role of antimicrobials Fejerskov O Kidd E Dental Caries: The Disease and Its Clinical Management Denmark, Copenhagen Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2003 179 188
    • cites [18] Steinberg D Rozen R Klausner EA Zachs B Friedman M Formulation, development and characterization of sustained release varnishes containing amine and stannous fluorides Caries Res 2002 36 411 416 12459613
13 of 13
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Chlorhexidine has antimicrobial activity against most bacterial species found in the oral cavity.

    “It is well established that chlorhexidine has antimicrobial activity against most bacterial species found in the oral cavity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is no previous published report of biofilm formation on varnishes containing different levels of fluoride and chlorhexidine in both S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilms measured at different time points.

    “To our knowledge, there is no previous published report of biofilm formation on varnishes containing different levels of fluoride and chlorhexidine in both S. mutans and S. sobrinus biofilms measured at different time points.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Reported correlation has the opposite direction from the described antibacterial effect

    Minor

    The paper reports a negative correlation between fluoride concentration and antibacterial effect. It also says that bacterial viability increased as fluoride concentration decreased, which describes a negative correlation with viability but a positive correlation with antibacterial effect.

1 of 1

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 19 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [3]Schachtele CF Dental Caries: Prevention and control Stallard RE A Textbook of Preventive Dentistry, 2nd ed. Philadelphia WB Saunders Company 1982 241 54
  2. [4]Shaw JH Etiology of dental caries: Prevention and control Stallard RE A Textbook of Preventive Dentistry, 2nd ed. Philadelphia WB Saunders Company 1982 32 49

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Metadata

Authors
Erdem, A. P., Sepet, E., Kulekci, G., Trosola, S. C., & Guven, Y.
Venue
International Journal of Medical Sciences
Published
2012
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
129-136
ISSN
1449-1907 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2145195490
Cited by
61
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 1
FWCI
2.44
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • International Journal of Medical Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › Periodontics › Oral microbiology and periodontitis research
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › General Dentistry › Dental Health and Care Utilization
  • Health Sciences › Dentistry › General Dentistry › Dental materials and restorations
Keywords
fluoride varnish, chlorhexidine, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, dental plaque, antibacterial activity, fluoride release, Fluor Protector, dental caries prevention
MeSH terms
Anti-Infective Agents, Local, Cariostatic Agents, Chlorhexidine, Dental Plaque, Drug Combinations, Fluorides, Fluorides, Topical, Humans, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Saliva, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Biofilms, Microbial Viability

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