The Effect of Sodium Fluoride Application on the Dental Caries Experience in Adults

Abstract

147 medical students, 20-42 yrs. of age (median age 24 yrs.), had 2 quadrants in their mouths treated with a 2% soln. of NaF. 50% of the students received treatments on the right quadrants and the other half were treated on the left quadrants. The teeth in the opposite quadrants in each case served as controls. The method advocated by Knutson and Armstrong for applying the Na fluoride soln. was used. Clinical and roentgenographic examinations were made of the teeth before the last Na fluoride treatment was given and again approx. 13.5 mos. later. The same examiner made both examinations. Examination of new caries in 294 treated quadrants and 294 nontreated quadrants showed no significant difference in the dental caries incidence. On the basis of total new caries, or on the basis of each individual''s results, there was no significant reduction in the dental caries incidence.