Journal of Dental Research, Vol 58, 1405-1412, Copyright © 1979 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Cariostatic activity of (1,6-bis-[2-ethylhexylbiguanido]-hexane) in conventional rats
S. N. Curtis and C. L. Dooley
The antimicrobial and cariostatic activities of the dihydrochloride and
dihydrofluoride salts of alexidine (1,6-bis-[2-ethylhexylbiguanido]hexane)
were compared to those of chlorhexidine acetate and sodium fluoride in rats
implanted orally with Streptococcus mutans 6715 and fed a cariogenic diet.
Experimental caries was significantly reduced by the continuous
administration of low concentrations of biguanides via the drinking water,
but this was accompanied by increased staining of the molars. Very high
biguanide concentrations, applied infrequently, directly to the molars,
effectively reduced caries and resulted in less staining. A combination of
alexidine dihydrochloride and sodium fluoride offered no advantage over
either drug alone. Alexidine salts prevented the progressive increase in
implanted S. mutans, whereas chlorhexidine acetate practically eliminated
the micro-organism from the oral cavity. Sodium fluoride had no effect on
the implanted flora. It was concluded that alexidine salts are comparable
in cariostatic activity to chlorhexidine. The tooth staining accompanying
the use of bisbiguanides can be reduced by adjusting the concentration of
the drug and its frequency of application.
