Controlled clinical trials and caries prevention

Caries Prevalence in Norwegian Recruits 5–7 Years after Discontinuation of Supervised Fluoride Toothbrushing Programmes

“…There were on average 3-4 fewer DMFS in group A than in group B. The results suggest some long-term benefit of limited practical importance, but alternative explanations for the observed difference cannot be precluded.Supervised toothbrushing with 0.5-1.0% sodium fluoride (NaF) solutions 4-5 times per year for 2-3 years has given 25-50% reduction in caries prevalence and incidence Welander, 1960, 1964], in the mean number of surfaces filled per year [Robak, 1964;Brochmann, 1965; Hunstadbrâten, 1966], and in annual treatment time per child per year [Kallquist, 1965].The real test of a caries-preventive agent is its effectiveness, efficiency and duration of benefits when used under real life condi tions [Russell, 1960;Horowitz and Kau, 1974;Jackson, 1974]. Whereas the retained post-treatment effect after discontinuation of use of fluoride-containing preventive agents in clinical trials has been studied [Syrrist, 1956;Englander et al, 1969;Koch, 1969;1970;Horowitz and Kau, 1974;Houwink et al, 1974], no follow-up investigations after discontinuation of fluoride toothbrush ing programmes were found.…”