[Effectiveness of 3 different methods in prevention of dental caries in permanent teeth among children]

To compare the effectiveness of fluoride vanish, fluoride foam, pit and fissure sealant with fluoride in prevention of dental caries, and investigate appropriate approach to prevent dental caries at schools.

A randomized controlled clinical trial with 4 parallel groups was conducted. Totally 1016 children from 4 schools and 33 classes with a mean age of 7 to 8 years were included. They were randomly allocated into 4 groups: (1) fluoride vanish, semi-annual application; (2) fluoride foam, semi-annual application; (3) resin sealant, single placement; and (4) placebo control with oral hygiene instruction. Follow-up examinations were conducted after 2 years to monitor dental caries increment of first molars among these children. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18.0 software package.

Two years later, 977 children (96.2%) were examined. The results of multiple factor ANCOVA showed that fluoride vanish and resin sealant had significantly lower mean dental caries increment on tooth surface compared with control group (P<0.05). No significant difference of mean dental caries increment on tooth surface was found between fluoride foam and control group (P>0.05).

The placement of resin sealant with fluoride and annual application of fluoride protector are effective in prevention of dental caries in permanent teeth of children.