Effect of povidone-iodine on Streptococcus mutans in children with extensive dental caries.

PURPOSE The purpose of this pilot project was to determine the effect of a 10% povidone-iodine solution on plaque Streptococcus mutans and on incidence of new caries in young children following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. METHODS Twenty-five children ages 2 to 7 years, scheduled for dental treatment under general anesthesia, were enrolled. Children in the experimental group (N = 13) had povidone-iodine applied 3 times at 2-month intervals. Control children (N = 12) had no treatment. Plaque samples were taken from all children at baseline, 6 months and cultured for total bacteria and S mutans. Dental examinations were conducted at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. RESULTS Experimental and control children had similar dietary habits, caries experience, and S mutans levels at baseline. All children's S mutans counts decreased significantly at 6 months (P = .003). The difference between the 2 groups was not significant (P = .58). At 1 year, 5 of 8 children in the control group had new caries compared to 2 of 11 children in the experimental group (P = .06). Povidone-iodine was well accepted by participating families. CONCLUSIONS Extensive one-time restorative dental treatment resulted in a significant suppression S mutans levels at 6 months. Further exploration of the role of povidone-iodine in caries management is indicated.