[The effect of fluoridated milk on caries reduction over 12 years]

The aim of the study was to assess the caries-preventive effect of fluoridated milk after 12-years of consumption, including 2 years interruption. DMF mean values of 162 institutionalized children aged 7-to 14 years were compared with DMF mean values of 139 institutionalized control children of the same age. The children consumed 200 ml milk daily, implemented with 0.4 mg -0.75 mg F(-)--depending on their age--between 1979-1984, after 2 years interruption they got fluoridated milk or cocoa-milk twice a week during 10 years. In the test group the ratio of caries-free children averaged more than 10%. The caries prevalence in the permanent dentition showed statistically significant reduction. The caries reduction regarding all groups was 36.78% in case of DMF-T, and 40.02% of DMF-S. According to our results the consumption of fluoridated milk in institutionalized children proved to be effective also in the long run.