Related Experiment Videos
Supervised weekly rinsing with a 0.2% neutral NaF solution: results after 5 years
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|February 1, 1983
Summary
Weekly rinsing with a 0.2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) solution significantly reduced caries prevalence in children. Longer rinsing duration and earlier participation yielded greater cariostatic benefits, especially on proximal tooth surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Preventive Dentistry
- Fluoride Research
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant public health issue, particularly among school-aged children.
- Fluoride has a well-established role in caries prevention.
- Assessing the long-term effectiveness of school-based fluoride rinsing programs is crucial for public health policy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effect of a weekly 0.2% neutral sodium fluoride (NaF) mouthrinse program on caries prevalence in children's permanent dentition.
- To determine the relationship between duration of fluoride exposure and caries reduction.
- To identify specific tooth surfaces benefiting most from fluoride rinsing.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving school children in the Three Village Central School District, New York.
- Children participated in weekly supervised rinsing with a 0.2% neutral NaF solution.
- Caries prevalence was assessed using DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) and DMFS (decayed, missing, and filled surfaces) indices, comparing baseline data with post-program examinations after up to 5 years.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in caries prevalence was observed: 45.3% for DMFT and 47.4% for DMFS compared to baseline.
- The greatest caries reduction, 81.3%, was noted on proximal tooth surfaces.
- Children who entered the program at a younger age and participated for longer durations experienced greater caries reduction.
Conclusions:
- Weekly rinsing with a 0.2% neutral NaF solution is an effective method for reducing caries prevalence in the permanent dentition of children.
- The cariostatic benefits of fluoride rinsing are cumulative and influenced by the duration of exposure and the age at which children begin the program.
- School-based fluoride mouthrinse programs represent a valuable public health intervention for caries prevention, particularly for reducing interproximal caries.