Comparative Evaluation of Effect of Different Varnishes (MI Varnish, Clinpro Varnish and Fluor Protector Varnish) on Candida albicans Count and Salivary pH in Children aged 6-12 years – A Randomized Control Trial

PURPOSE: Candida albicans one of the commensal organisms in the oral cavity, causes fermentation of the dietary carbohydrates leading to the formation of organic acids, which contributes to the development of dental caries. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 3 different fluoride varnishes against Candida albicans in the prevention of dental caries before and immediately after fluoride varnish application and also over a period of 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. METHODOLOGY: A sample size of 60 children’s aged between 6-12 years were randomly selected by block randomization and divided into 3 groups: Group 1 MI Varnish, Group 2 Clinpro XT varnish and Group 3 Flour Protector varnish. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before and after the application of fluoride varnishes (collected immediately after application, after 1 week, 1 month and 3 months) and were sent for microbiological analysis. The pH of the samples were evaluated by Indikrom paper strips. The results obtained were statistically analysed by mean, standard deviation and One way ANOVA. RESULTS: MI varnish showed a significant drop in Candida albicans followed by Clinpro XT varnish and Fluor Protector Varnish whereas no significant difference were seen in pH. CONCLUSION: The results of the study shows that MI Varnish, Clinpro XT Varnish and Fluor Protector Varnish have antifungal effect on Candida albicans. MI Varnish showed its more profound effect.