Results of the Sherbrooke‐Lac Megantic fluoride varnish study after 20 months

Abstract

The effectiveness of 2 fluoride varnishes (Duraphat and Fluor Protector) was demonstrated in the prevention of dental caries in children residing in a non-fluoridated community. At baseline, 787 grade 1 children (6-7-yr old) were examined and randomly allocated into a control and 2 treatment groups. At 20 mo. 703 children remained in the study. The mean baseline caries experience and the mean number of permanent teeth present at 20 mo. were not significantly different among the treatment and control groups. The mean DMFS [decayed, missing and filled surfaces] increments after 20 mo. were 1.70, 1.73 and 2.02 for Fluor Protector, Duraphat and control groups respectively (% reductions of 15.8 and 14.4 for Fluor Protector and Duraphat groups). The mean DFS [decayed and filled surfaces] increments for primary molars after 20 mo. were 1.56, 1.62 and 1.74 for Fluor Protector. Duraphat and control groups, respectively (% reductions of 10 for Fluor Protector and 7 for Duraphat).