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A community-based caries control program for pre-school children using topical fluorides: 18-month results
1Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, China. hrdplcm@hkucc.hku.hk
Journal of Dental Research
|January 26, 2002
Summary
Topical fluoride, including silver diamine fluoride and sodium fluoride varnish, effectively arrested dentin caries in Chinese preschoolers. Annual silver diamine fluoride applications showed promising results for managing dental caries when restorative care is limited.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Cariology
Background:
- Dental caries is prevalent in Chinese preschool children, with limited access to restorative treatments.
- Early childhood caries presents a significant public health challenge in this population.
- Effective, accessible interventions are crucial for managing early caries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical fluoride applications in arresting dentin caries in preschool children.
- To compare the effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in caries arrest.
- To assess the impact of prior soft carious tissue removal on fluoride treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective controlled clinical trial involving 375 preschool children (aged 3-5 years) with carious upper anterior teeth.
- Five groups were established: annual SDF, annual SDF with tissue removal, quarterly NaF varnish, quarterly NaF varnish with tissue removal, and a control group.
- Children were followed for 18 months, with new caries surfaces and arrested carious surfaces recorded.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in mean new caries surfaces (p = 0.001) and arrested carious tooth surfaces (p < 0.001) were observed across the groups.
- Groups receiving annual SDF applications demonstrated the lowest mean number of new caries surfaces (0.4) and the highest mean number of arrested carious surfaces (2.8-3.0).
- NaF varnish applications resulted in more new caries and fewer arrested surfaces compared to SDF and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Topical fluoride applications, particularly annual silver diamine fluoride, are effective in arresting dentin caries in Chinese preschool children.
- SDF shows superior efficacy in caries arrest compared to NaF varnish in this population.
- These findings support the use of SDF as a viable, minimally invasive option for managing early childhood caries where dental resources are scarce.