Post-War Implications of Fluorine and Dental Health

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Abstract
The authors analyzed the major findings in the study of 289 treated children and 326 negative controls; age 7-15 yrs. The treated children were given from 7-15 applications of a 2% soln. of NaF over an 8 wk. period. Then the incidence of new caries was charted at the end of 1 yr. There was a 40% reduction in the incidence of dental decay during the first year following treatment. The treatment was of questionable value in inhibiting caries extension on non-carious surfaces of previously attacked teeth. During the 1st yr. after the treatment the caries inhibiting effect was confined to teeth to which the NaF soln. was topically applied. Comparing this method with that of the addition of one part/million of F to the municipal water supply, the authors believe that it is of practical usefulness to the 1/3 of the population which depend upon private wells for their water supply.