The evaluation of tiodonium chloride as an antiplaque and anticaries agent. V. Effects on plaque microbiology and plaque and saliva pH.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a tiodonium chloride mouthrinse on the microbial composition of plaque and the acidogenic properties of plaque and saliva after challenge with sucrose solutions. Fifty-five participants were grouped on the basis of their tendency to form plaque, then randomly assigned to use either a placebo or a 0.3% tiodonium chloride rinse. After a prophylaxis all oral hygiene was suspended, supervised rinsings were conducted twice daily for four days and once on day 5. One-half hour after the last rinse, plaque was removed from the right mandibular second molar for microbiological evaluation. Plaque was also removed from the right quadrants and mixed with 10% sucrose. The pH of the mixture was measured immediately and after 15 minutes. Saliva was collected before and 30 minutes after the final rinse and mixed with 5% glucose. pH was determined initially and after five hours. Tiodonium chloride rinses significantly reduced the viable organisms in plaque. It also restricted the ability of plaque or saliva to metabolize sucrose as monitored by pH changes. The results suggest that tiodonium chloride might decrease dental caries because of its inhibiting effect on plaque microflora and acid production by plaque and saliva.