Caries Prevalence Four Years after the End of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Vol. 41, No. 6, 2007

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 146 KB)

Original Paper

Caries Prevalence Four Years after the End of a Randomised Controlled Trial
C.M. Pine^a, M.M.T. Curnow^b, G. Burnside^a, J.A. Nicholson^c, A.J. Roberts^c

^aWHO Collaborating Centre in Community Oral Health, School of Dental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool,
^bTayside Community Healthcare Trust, Perth, and
^cUnilever Oral Care, Bebington, Wirral, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2007;41:431-436 (DOI: 10.1159/000104800)

Key Words

Dental caries, children
Fluoride toothpaste
Follow-up, caries
Randomised controlled trial

Abstract

This study measured dental caries in children after cessation of a 30-month randomised clinical trial in which the intervention group received supervised toothbrushing once a day at school with 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste and a home support package encouraging twice-daily toothbrushing. The non-intervention group did not brush at school or receive the home support package. Children were aged 5 years at baseline and were examined every 6 months during the trial, then at 6, 18, 30 and 54 months after the end of the trial. Significantly less caries developed in first permanent molars of intervention children at the end of the trial. Of the 428 children who were examined at the end of the trial 329 (77%) were examined 54 months later when the children were aged 12 years on average. The intervention group still had less caries (D₃FS caries increment 1.62) than the non-intervention children (D₃FS caries increment 2.65, p < 0.05). Prolonged benefits have been found for intervention children principally in less caries in first permanent molars. Further follow-up at an age when the second molars and premolars have all erupted will help determine whether this benefit is due to a long-term behavioural change or a prolonged biological effect.

Author Contacts

Prof. Cynthia Pine
Dean of Dental Studies, School of Dental Sciences
University of Liverpool, Pembroke Place
Liverpool L3 5PS (UK)
Tel. +44 151 706 5070, Fax +44 151 706 5250, E-Mail cmpine@liv.ac.uk

Article Information

Received: November 10, 2006
Accepted after revision: March 9, 2007
Published online: September 7, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 21

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.