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The effectiveness of a school-based fluoride mouth rinse programme
U M Chikte1, H A Lewis, M J Rudolph
1Department of Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein.
The Journal of the Dental Association of South Africa = Die Tydskrif Van Die Tandheelkundige Vereniging Van Suid-Afrika
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Weekly fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR) showed a 15% reduction in tooth decay among schoolchildren over three years. While effective, this caries reduction was lower than anticipated based on previous studies.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Preventive Dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries remains a significant public health issue in children.
- Fluoride mouth rinsing is a recognized preventive measure against tooth decay.
- Evidence on the long-term effectiveness of unsupervised weekly fluoride mouth rinsing in permanent teeth is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of unsupervised weekly 0.2% sodium fluoride mouth rinsing.
- To assess the caries increment in permanent teeth of schoolchildren aged 6-12 years.
- To determine the percentage reduction in caries over a 3-year period.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year longitudinal study involving over 2000 schoolchildren (aged 6-12) in Johannesburg.
- Participants were divided into groups receiving or not receiving weekly unsupervised fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR).
- Caries assessment utilized the DMFT and DMFS indices (WHO, 1987).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in mean decayed scores were observed between the groups after 3 years.
- The fluoride mouth rinsing intervention resulted in an approximate 15% reduction in caries.
- This observed caries reduction was lower than the up to 30% reported in prior research.
Conclusions:
- Unsupervised weekly fluoride mouth rinsing with 0.2% sodium fluoride demonstrated a modest caries reduction in permanent teeth.
- The 15% caries reduction suggests a potentially lower effectiveness compared to previous studies.
- Further research may be needed to optimize fluoride mouth rinsing protocols for maximum caries prevention in school-aged children.