A Nine-Year Study of Topical Application with Stannous Fluoride in Identical Twins and the Caries Experience Five Years after Ending the Applications

Abstract

The teeth of one child of 22 monozygotic twins were treated twice yearly with a 1-percent F^–– (from SnF₂) solution over a period of 9 years. When the children were 16 years old, the result was that the treated children had 37% fewer lesions than the controls. For the proximal surfaces, the reduction was 55%; for the pits and fissures, 20%; and for the free smooth surfaces, 61%. Five years after the last application, 18 pairs were examined once more. In three pairs, the controls had received full dentures. In the remaining 15 pairs, the treated children had 37% fewer cavities in the proximal surfaces; 8% fewer in the pits and fissures; and 45% fewer in the free smooth surfaces.