Evaluation of a Combination of Self-Administered Fluoride Procedures for Control of Dental Caries in a Non-Fluoride Area: Findings after 2 Years

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Abstract
In 1972, a self-administered fluoride program was initiated in Nelson County, Va., a fluoride-deficient area. Children in elementary school (grades 1–6) ingest daily an acidulated phosphate-fluoride tablet (1 mg F), rinse weekly with a 0.2% NaF solution and are provided with an F dentifrice for use at home. Baseline dental exams (DMFS) were made of 2,135 children in grades 1–12. In 1974, follow-up exams were made in grades 1–8 (ages 6–13). Baseline findings for children aged 6–13 in 1972 showed a mean prevalence of 5.42 DMFS. The corresponding score for their cohorts in 1974 was 4.60 DMFS, a difference of 15.1%. The data were also analyzed using estimates of 2-years caries increments at the baseline and from 1972 to 1974. For all 2-year age spans (6–8 through 11–13), the estimated mean increment was 33.5% lower after 2 years of the program than prior to its initiation.