A combined approach to preventing dental caries in schoolchildren : caries reductions after 3 years

A combination of preventive methods have been used to reduce dental caries in children residing in a fluoridated area of Southeastern Michigan. These children had very low restorative treatment levels. The methods used include dental health education, prophylaxis, pit and fissure sealants, topical application of fluoride and restorative care. Prophylaxis, sealant and fluoride procedures were repeated every 6 months. Sealant was applied to all caries-free posterior teeth in the mouth. Three-year results show reduction of occlusal caries increments of nearly 73% for both 1st and 6th school grades. Although at baseline examination there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in mean DMF teeth and surface scores, the difference in mean increments at the end of 3 years was statistically significant (P less than 0.01). Percent reductions in caries increment for permanent first molars in 1st graders were 65.6 for DMF teeth and 66.7 for DMF surfaces. Corresponding figures for permanent teeth among 6th graders were 71% and 58.3%.