The caries-inhibiting effect of a fluoride drop program: a 3-year study on Chinese kindergarten children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the caries-inhibiting effect of a fluoride drops program in two kindergartens in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, a fluoride-deficient area.


METHODS
For 3 years, participating children ingested in school 0.25 mg fluoride daily, in the form of drops for 2 to 3-year-olds and 0.5 mg for children age 3 years and older. These systemic fluoride supplements were made available for over 180 days each year and they were distributed by teachers who maintained attendance records. Annual examinations were conducted for 176 2-year-olds who had used the supplements in the kindergartens and 148 control children. After 3 years, 128 test and 112 control children remained in the study.


RESULTS
The results demonstrated a marked reduction in dental caries in the control group: test children had 2.21 decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT)-versus 4.32 in the control group, a reduction rate of 48.84%. The mean DMFT increments over the 3-year period were 1.76 and 3.92, respectively. Over a 1- to 3-year period of supplement use, the group provided with the fluoride drops had consistently lower caries prevalence than the control group. The differences were statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
This treatment regimen demonstrated an effective caries-inhibiting effect.
Hu
D
D
Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Stomatology, West China University of Medical Sciences (WCUMS), P. R. China.
Wan
H
H
Li
S
S
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002681:China; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D012571:School Dentistry
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D004304:Dosage Forms; D005459:Fluorides