Abstract
The caries-preventive effect of semiannual applications of a fluoride varnish (Duraphat) was tested for 2 yr in 225 3 yr old children; 113 children served as a control group. At the baseline examination, 69% of the children in the test group and 75% in the control group were caries-free. The results after 2 yr showed an average caries increment of 2.1 surfaces in the test group and 3.7 in the control group. The difference was statistically significant. Of the children 38% in the test group and 27% in the control group were still caries-free. The caries reduction was 44%.