Chlorhexidine varnishes: a review

Background: Of all chemical plaque control agents, chlorhexidine digluconate has proven to be the most effective and safe. Since 1964, varnishes have been used for local delivery of fluor and are reported to be an effective and easy to use vehicle. During the past decade, varnishes for local delivery of antimicrobial agents have been developed and investigated in vitro and in vivo. Aim: In this paper, the existing literature on the use of 3 different chlorhexidine varnishes in different fields in dentistry is reviewed. Method: In vitro results concerning the release of the antimicrobial agents are compared for the 3 different varnish formulations. Results and conclusion: Clinical reports on the efficacy of controlled-release systems in altering cariogenic and periodontopathic microflora are summerized.