title: Effect of a preventive program based on professional toothcleaning and fluoride application on caries and gingivitis.
abstract: The effect of a preventive program was studied in 12-14-yr-old children. 104 children (test group) participated in this program. After four visits in the first 6 wk, the children visited the oral hygienist five times a year to receive professional oral prophylactic treatment and instructions. Additionally a fluoride application (Duraphat) was given two times a year. Children of a control group (n = 117) received no prophylactic treatment. Diet was not controlled in either test or control group. After 2 yr mean caries increment amounted to 2.7 +/- 2.8 new DFS in the test group and 5.0 +/- 4.2 new DFS in the control group, respectively. The most pronounced differences between the two groups could be found on the proximal surfaces. In all, caries was reduced by 46% during the 2-yr period. Plaque accumulation and frequency of gingivitis were significantly reduced only in the test group (67% and 55%, resp.). The data revealed that the program reduced both caries and gingivitis to a remarkable extent.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005860:Germany, West; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012571:School Dentistry; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D005460:Fluorides, Topical; C023807:sodium fluoride topical preparation; D012969:Sodium Fluoride