A Test of the Effect of Fluoride-Containing Dentifrices on Dental Caries

Abstract

Test subjects (233 children from 2 Catholic Orphanages and 163 students in Tufts College Dental School) were examined by a dentist using a mirror and probe. Individuals with equivalent caries susceptibility were distributed evenly into subgroups. They were given test dentifrices supplied by Proctor and Gamble Co. which contained either 0.1% NaF 0.01% NaF, or no NaF, and were instructed to brush the teeth with the dentifrices daily. After a 2 yr. period of study, re examinations of the teeth showed no less caries activity for the groups using the fluoride containing dentifrices than for the groups using the control dentifrice without fluoride.