Comparison of the effectiveness of collective topical applications of fluoride solutions and water fluoridation
Kunzel, W.; Padron, F.S.
Stomatologie der DDR 35(5): 270-275
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0302-4725 PMID: 3864300 Document Number: 248222
Since 1969, school children in Cuba have been cared for by caries prevention every fortnight by supervised mouth rinsing with NaF solutions (0.2%). In the small town of La Salud water fluoridation (0.75 mg F/l) was introduced in 1972, and controlled the same way as the mouth rinsing programs (DMF/T [decayed, missing and filled surfaces/tooth] index). Cross-sectional examinations in 870 children (6-13 yr olds) demonstrate that systemic fluoride administration is superior to topical application of fluorides. Reduction in caries of 71.4% after 9 yr of water fluoridation corresponds to an increase in the number of caries-free children from 26.3-61.6%. The number of fillings per child had increased from 28 to 87%. Although caries was reduced after mouth rinsing programs to 47.4% (caries-free children 43.0%), ultimate caries prevalence was substantially higher than that achieved after water fluoridation.