Ten years domestic salt fluoridation in Hungary

Results are presented regarding the caries reduction achieved over a 10 yr period using 250 mg F per kg of domestic salt, and compared with data from a fluoridated water area and a control group. The frequency of caries-free children in the 4 to 6, 7 to 11 and 12 to 14 age range in the experimental group rose from 8.06%, 4.74% and 1.43% to 46.75%, 43.98% and 7.92% respectively, and dmft and DMFT indices dropped from 5.35, 3.62 and 6.60 to 2.80, 1.45 and 3.65. There was no significant change in the percentage of caries-free children or in the indices of the control group. The ratio of dmft and DMFT to teeth and the differences in the extent of caries among specified teeth are also presented. The data support the assumption that fluoridated salt prevents dental caries both in deciduous and permanent dentitions. The results were similar as those obtained in a water fluoride area. The optimum and tolerated F intake water and salt ingestion, F intake from foods and the urinary F levels are also discussed.