NANOPARTICLE-ENHANCED VARNISHES: ORAL MICROBIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE AS A CARIES PREVENTIVE STRATEGY
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Keywords
Dental caries, Fluoride varnish, Nanoparticles, Oral microbiology, Community acceptance
Abstract
Background: Dental caries remains a major public health problem, particularly in children. Conventional fluoride varnishes are effective but may be limited in reducing cariogenic biofilms. Nanoparticle incorporation into varnishes offers enhanced antimicrobial and remineralizing potential.
Objective: To assess the oral microbiological effects and community acceptance of a nanoparticle-enhanced varnish compared with standard fluoride varnish.
Methodology: A cross sectional was conducted in Peshawar from 1st June 2024 to 1st July 2025. A total of 300 children aged 3–12 years were recruited through multistage sampling and divided into two groups. Baseline data included socio-demographics, oral hygiene practices, clinical examination, and microbiological sampling. Participants received either a nanoparticle-enhanced varnish or a standard fluoride varnish. Follow-up was carried out at 1, 3, and 6 months to reassess microbial counts, plaque index, and caregiver acceptance. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with significance set at p ≤0.05.
Results: The nanoparticle varnish group showed a greater reduction in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus counts at all follow-up points (p < 0.001). Plaque scores improved significantly compared with controls. Caregiver acceptance was higher in the intervention group, with 90.7% reporting willingness to reuse versus 75.3% in the control group. Reported adverse events were mild and self-limiting.
Conclusion: Nanoparticle-enhanced varnishes offer superior antimicrobial benefits and higher community acceptance compared with standard fluoride varnishes, representing a promising caries-preventive strategy.
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Aliya khan
Assistant Professor Department of Preventive and community Dentistry Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar
Kanwal Nazir Arbab
Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry Rehman College of Dentistry Peshawar
Khumara Roghani
Lecturer, department of Dental Materials Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar
Neelofar Nausheen
Associate professor Department of oral biology Sardar begum dental college
Nighat Shafiq
Associate professor Department of oral biology Khyber College of Dentistry
Aiman Khan
Associate Professor Department of Dental Materials Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar