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Progression of approximal caries in primary molars and the effect of Duraphat treatment
Author(s) -
Peyron Monica,
Matsson Lars,
Birkhed Dowen
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
european journal of oral sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.802
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1600-0722
pISSN - 0909-8836
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0722.1992.tb01078.x
Subject(s) - molar , enamel paint , dentistry , fluoride varnish , medicine , fluoride , dentin , varnish , chemistry , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , coating
The progression of caries lesions over a 2‐yr period was studied in 3–6‐yr‐olds. All 468 children included in the study lived in an area during 1977–85 (Malmö, Sweden) with a low fluoride concentration (0.2 ppm) in the drinking water. Radiographs were taken with a standardized periodic identical technique. Caries lesions were scored on the distal surface of the first and on the mesial surface of the second primary molars (maximum 8 per child) according to G röndahl et al . Half of the children were treated semiannually with a fluoride varnish (Duraphat). In all, 421 surfaces with caries at baseline were available at the 1‐yr examination and 369 at the 2‐yr examination. After 1 yr, 34.1% of the shallow enamel lesions remained unchanged, while a progression was seen in 60.9%. 5.1% had been restored. The corresponding figures after 2 yr were 20.6, 52.1 and 27.3%. Of the deeper enamel lesions at baseline, 28.8% remained unchanged after 1 yr and 13.7% after 2 yr. Of the lesions extending into the dentin, 81.5% had been restored after 1 yr and all after 2 yr. When evaluating the effect of Duraphat, only the percentage of individuals with one or more superficial enamel lesions showing progression was determined. After 1 yr, 51.2% in the Duraphat ( n = 41) and 82.8% in the control group ( n = 29) showed progression (restored surfaces included). The corresponding figures after 2 yr were 66.7 ( n = 42) and 91.2% ( n = 34). The differences after both 1 yr and 2 yr were statistically significant. The main conclusions from this study are that the progression rate of approximal caries lesions in primary molars is comparatively high and that semiannual application of a fluoride varnish has a certain cariostatic effect on the progression.