Effect of topically-applied solutions of iodine, sodium fluoride, or chlorhexidine on oral bacteria and caries in rats.

Antibacterial levels of iodine, chlorhexidine or sodium fluoride were topically applied to the molar teeth of rats. The effect of these agents on buccal and sulcal caries, as well as on certain oral bacterial populations was assayed. All three agents exerted a significant cariostatic effect which was site specific. Buccal caries incidence and reductions appeared correlated to S. mutans counts, while sulcal caries was better correlated to total cultivable counts. These studies suggested that the simultaneous application of iodine and NaF might exert an additive cariostatic effect.