Dynamics of some parameters of macula cariosa alba treated with fluoride gel.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to follow up the changes of the level of demineralization and the area of white spots during treatment with 0.42% fluoride gel.


METHODS
182 white spots in 27 children (aged 7 to 16) were followed. Two groups were formed - a control group (70 spots) and an experimental group (112 spots). The level of demineralization was assessed by a colour test using 2% methylene blue. Area changes were measured in square millimetres. The initial area was taken to represent 100%. Four applications at 1-week intervals were made. Changes were assessed at the end of months 1, 2, 6, and 12.


RESULTS
The colour test showed a decrease in the respective values during the study. The decrease was greater in the experimental group reaching statistically significant difference after the 1st month. There was a slight decrease in the average area of the spots in the control group. At the end of the study the area was reduced to 92.01% of the initial area. The average area in the experimental group at the end of the study was 28.16% of that at baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
These results show the high efficaciousness of the treatment of incipient caries with 0.42% fluoride gel.
Kukleva
M P
MP
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Higher Medical Institute, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
D002031:Bulgaria; D002648:Child; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D005460:Fluorides, Topical; D005782:Gels