Anti-microbial varnish in the management of root caries in mentally and/or medically compromised older adults

INTERVENTION: 1. Use of antimicrobial varnish containing chlorhexidine and thymol in conjunction with a remineralising, fluoride‐containing varnish on clinical and microbiological parameters of root carious lesions. 2. The control procedure will consist of the fluoride varnish and a placebo varnish in place of the chlorhexidine‐thymol varnish. CONDITION: Root caries ; Oral Health ; Dental caries PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Effect on the salivary flora; 2. Changes in clinical status; 3. Dimensions of root lesions SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. 150 elderly frail patients 2. Minimum of four teeth 3. At least one root caries lesion 4. Amenable to dental examination 5. Expected to survive the length of the study