title: Fluoride has a beneficial effect on root caries.
abstract: METHODS
  Medline and the Cochrane Oral Health Group trials register were searched for suitable studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Papers were screened independently by two authors. Randomised controlled trials (RCT), controlled trials and uncontrolled longitudinal studies of at least 3 months' duration that investigated activity and/ or incidence of root caries and were published in English were included.
  
  
  METHODS
  Because of wide variation between clinical parameters evaluated for caries activity, a qualitative synthesis was presented.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six studies met the inclusion criteria, five of which were RCT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The available studies suggest that increasing the regular daily delivery of fluoride has a beneficial effect, reducing root caries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, NHS Forth Valley, Stirling, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Richards