The Effect of Topical Applications of Fluorides on Dental Caries in Young Adults

Abstract
At approx. 3-mo. intervals, single quadrants of the teeth of 139 students, aged 18 to 40 yrs., were treated with solutions of 1% NaF or 0.06% lead fluoride. After approx. 14 mos., the quadrants treated with NaF showed 44.5% less new D.M.F. surfaces, or 56.6% less new carious surfaces, than did the untreated control quadrants on the opposite sides of the mouths. The quadrants treated with PbF2 showed 27.5% less new D.M.F. surfaces, or 38.5% less new carious surfaces, than their control quadrants.