Caries-Preventive Effect of Duraphat® Varnish Applications versus Fluoride Mouthrinses: 5-Year Data

Abstract

The caries-preventive effect of Duraphat® lacquer versus fluoride mouthrinses was evaluated in a 5-year clinical trial. The lacquer group received Duraphat application every 6th month and a placebo rinse every 2nd week during the school year. The fluoride rinse group received a 0.2% sodium fluoride rinse every 2nd week during the school year and a placebo lacquer every 6th month. All children received regular dental examination and treatment in clinics established by the municipality in which the study took place. Fluoride content of the drinking water varied between 0.1 and 0.2 ppm F––. Caries was recorded clinically and radiographically and increments calculated after 3 and 5 years. On teeth erupted at baseline the clinical caries increment after 5 years was 2.96 DMF-S in the lacquer group and 2.77 DMF-S in the fluoride rinse group, evaluated for the 248 3rd grades completing the study. Caries increment in teeth erupting during the trial was 2.20 DMF-S in the lacquer group and 2.30 DMF-S in the fluoride rinse group. The corresponding figures for radiographic caries increment were 1,01 and 0.82 DMF-S for teeth erupted at baseline, and 0.59 and 0.45 DMF-S for teeth erupting during the trial. None of the differences were statistically significant. Mean time needed to apply the lacquer was approximately 4 min, when working with a chairside assistant and 6 min, when working without a chairside assistant.