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Purpose: To evaluate the salivary levels of chlorhexidine (CHX) after a single professional treatment with an antibacterial dental varnish (Cervitec) containing 1% CHX and 1% thymol., Methods: Unstimulated whole saliva from 21 healthy young adults was collected at baseline and up to 24 hours after treatment at designated time intervals and the CHX levels in saliva were quantified with high-performance liquid chromatography. Post-treatment saliva samples were added to suspensions of mutans streptococci and supragingival dental plaque for a growth inhibition., Results: CHX concentration in saliva showed a peak value (76.5 microg/ml) after 5 minutes followed by a slow decrease with time. The elevation was statistically significant (P < 0.05) up to 4 hours after the application of the varnish and the recorded values were back to baseline levels after 24 hours. The 2- and 4-hour post-treatment saliva samples inhibited growth of mutans streptococci by 46% and 33%, respectively.

The anatomical and physiological characteristics of the pulpal and dentinal sensitive system are described. Some different theories about the transmission of the dentinal sensitivity are also explained. Finally, the different desensitizing agents, their main characteristics and mechanisms of action are analyzed.

In the present study, S. mutans colony morphotypes has been investigated in salivary specimens obtained from 67 schoolchildren. Prevalence of these bacteria has been matched with DMFS in order to obtain information on cariogenicity of single morphotypes. Our data seems to suggest a correlation between total count of S. mutans colonies and caries experience, with major evidence for two colony morphotypes.

The numerous studies proving that fluoride administration, mainly via fluoridated water, is undoubtedly the most reliable, efficient and economic technique for the prevention of dental decay are considered. However we should not underestimate the existence of a certain degree of distrust among the public or certain technical and bureaucratic problems which can interfere with the diffusion of this method. The experiments conducted in some countries where water fluoridation has been introduced are also reviewed.

The Authors briefly illustrate some recent findings about the selection of high caries risk groups. The aim of this study is to review some of the main contributes of the literature of the last years. The attention has been mainly focused on the used experimental design. From this review it can be concluded that it is necessary a better comparability of the results among the different groups of researchers working on this problem. It could also be suggested an improvement of the predictive value of the tests by their combined use.