title: Comparison of dental prophylaxis and toothbrushing prior to topical APF applications.
abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dental prophylaxis prior to the topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride solution applied twice a year in schoolchildren. Experimental groups were: Group I--control group, had no treatment. Group II--twice yearly topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride solution with prior professional prophylaxis with rubber cup and non fluoride paste. Group III--twice yearly topical application of acidulated phosphate fluoride solution with prior toothbrushing with a non-fluoridated prophy paste. After 18 months analysis of 160 children in each study group led to the following conclusions: 1. Acidulated phosphate fluoride topical applications are effective in the prevention of dental caries. 2. The omission of a professional prophylaxis prior to topical fluoride application does not affect significantly the caries preventive effect.
mesh_terms: D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014099:Toothbrushing
chemical_list: D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D000149:Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride; D012969:Sodium Fluoride