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Caries reduction by milk fluoridation in Bulgaria
K Ivanova1, G N Pakhomov, I J Moeller
1Dental Faculty, University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Advances in Dental Research
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Community milk fluoridation significantly reduces dental caries in children. Regular consumption of fluoridated milk lowered caries prevalence by 40% in primary teeth and 90% in permanent teeth.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Dental Caries Prevention
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant public health concern globally.
- Community-based water fluoridation is a well-established caries prevention strategy.
- Alternative methods like milk fluoridation offer potential for targeted caries reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based milk fluoridation program in reducing dental caries among six-year-old children.
- To assess the impact of regular fluoridated milk consumption on caries prevalence and severity.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 204 randomly selected six-year-old children.
- Children received 200 mL of milk containing 1 mg of fluoride (5 ppm F-) daily for 180-200 days per year.
- Dental caries assessment (dmft and DMFT) conducted at baseline and after 3.5 years.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in dental caries prevalence was observed in children consuming fluoridated milk.
- The decayed, missing, or filled primary teeth (dmft) index decreased by 40%.
- The decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) index decreased by 90%.
Conclusions:
- Community-based milk fluoridation is an effective strategy for reducing dental caries in children.
- Early initiation of fluoridated milk consumption appears to yield better caries-preventive effects.
- Despite study limitations, the findings support the use of fluoridated milk as a public health intervention.