Abstract: A composition for treating dental infections, e.g. dental caries caused by Strep. mutans, comprises a varnish containing a dentally acceptable antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine acetate and benzoin gum in an orally acceptable liquid. The composition can be painted on teeth, allowed to dry thereon to give a transparent, translucent or tooth colored film which is effectively invisible but provides sustained release of the antimicrobial agent to the site of infection over a period of at least four days. The film can be removed at will, e.g. by application of the liquid varnish base.To sustain further the antimicrobial agent in situ and hinder its egress into the oral cavity, a sealing composition may be applied over the varnish layer. The sealing composition is preferably solvated polyurethane which cures by evaporation of solvent.

Abstract: A composition for treating dental infections, e.g. dental caries caused by Strep. mutans, comprises a varnish containing an antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine acetate and benzoin gum in an orally acceptable liquid. The composition can be painted on teeth, allowed to dry thereon to give a transparent, translucent or tooth colored film which is effectively invisible but provides sustained release of the antimicrobial agent to the site of infection over a period of at least four days. The film can be removed at will, e.g. by application of the liquid varnish base.