Short intensive topical APF applications and dental caries in a fluoridated area

Abstract

Three groups of approximately 200 children, consuming fluoridated water since birth, were given either 5, 10 or 25 consecutive topical applications with an APF [acidulated phosphate fluoride] gel (1.2% F, pH 3.2) in mouthpieces. After 1 yr, mean DMFS [decayed, missing and filled surfaces] increments were 7.2%, 30.4% and 35.3% less respectively for the 3 groups as compared with untreated control groups. Although enamel fluoride levels remained high after the 1st yr, differences in dental caries increments between treated and control groups were too small to show group differences. In a fluoridated area, when caries activity is low, it is apparently difficult to show a long-term anticaries effect by increasing the fluoride concentration in sound enamel by a short series of self-applied topical fluoride applications.