Interim report on DMF‐reduction 16 years after the introduction of a preventive program

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Abstract
Supervised toothbrushing with fluoride containing preparations and information on prevention of [human] dental disease was introduced in 1963/1964 for the majority of schools in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. Standardized examinations were carried out every 4 yr, starting in 1963. From 1963-1979, DMFT (decayed, missing or filled tooth) levels decreased by 58-60%. Reductions of DF (decayed or filled) counts were highest in free smooth surfaces of molars and in anterior teeth, exceeding 90%. In contrast, pit and fissure carious lesions were reduced by 55%. Approximal caries also diminished substantially but the findings cannot be summarized by simple percent reductions. The number of sound primary teeth increased markedly from 1963-1975.