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Fluoridated milk for preventing dental caries
C A Yeung1, J L Hitchings, T V Macfarlane
1Unit of Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, University of Manchester, Higher Cambridge Street, Manchester, UK, M15 6FH. albert.yeung@manchester.ac.uk
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 22, 2005
Summary
Fluoridated milk shows potential benefits for preventing dental caries in school children, particularly for permanent teeth. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in dental health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries is a significant public health issue affecting children and adults globally.
- Fluoridated milk offers a cost-effective method for delivering fluoride to prevent tooth decay.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of community-based fluoridated milk programs in preventing dental caries.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a minimum 3-year follow-up.
- Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS.
- Primary outcomes measured were changes in decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) and surfaces (dmfs/DMFS).
Main Results:
- Two RCTs with 353 children were included. One trial showed a significant reduction in permanent tooth decay (DMFT) after 3 years.
- Another study indicated significant DMFT reductions in later years (4th and 5th).
- Significant reductions in primary tooth decay (dmft) were observed in one study after 3 years.
Conclusions:
- Limited high-quality evidence exists on fluoridated milk's caries prevention efficacy.
- Findings suggest fluoridated milk may benefit school children, especially for permanent dentition.
- Further RCTs are recommended to strengthen the evidence base for clinical practice.