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Effect of a preventive program based on professional toothcleaning and fluoride application on caries and gingivitis
Author(s) -
Klimek Joachim,
Prinz Helge,
Hellwig Elmar,
Ahrens Günther
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
community dentistry and oral epidemiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1600-0528
pISSN - 0301-5661
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1985.tb00459.x
Subject(s) - medicine , gingivitis , dentistry , oral hygiene , prophylactic treatment , fluoride , test (biology) , inorganic chemistry , paleontology , chemistry , biology
The effect of a preventive program was studied in 12–14‐yr‐old children. 104 children (test group) participated in this program. After four visits in the first 6 wk, the children visited the oral hygienist five times a year to receive professional oral prophylactic treatment and instructions. Additionally a fluoride application (Duraphat) was given two times a year. Children of a control group ( n = 117) received no prophylactic treatment. Diet was not controlled in either test or control group. After 2 yr mean caries increment amounted to 2.7 ± 2.8 new DPS in the test group and 5.0 ± 4.2 new DPS in the control group, respectively. The most pronounced differences between the two groups could be found on the proximal surfaces. In all, caries was reduced by 46% during the 2‐yr period. Plaque accumulation and frequency of gingivitis were significantly reduced only in the test group (67% and 55%, resp.). The data revealed that the program reduced both caries and gingivitis to a remarkable extent.