Published in:
01-07-2017 | Original Article
Effect of supervised brushing with fluoride gel during primary school, taking into account the group prevention schedule in kindergarten
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 6/2017
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Objectives
In one region of Germany, a group of children took part in regular fluoride gel applications during primary school following intensified prevention in kindergarten. This observational study aimed to ascertain whether the dental health of primary school children can be improved by introducing a group prevention program based on applications of fluoride gel.
Materials and methods
The subjects were distributed among six groups with varying preventive measures in kindergarten and at school. The basis for determining caries experience and calculating the caries increment consisted of dental findings gathered in the second and fourth grade.
Results
While second graders without professionally supported daily toothbrushing in kindergarten exhibited an average d3
-6mft of 2.17, in those who had enjoyed intensive dental prevention, the corresponding value was 19% lower (d3-6mft = 1.74). The caries increment was significantly lower mainly among children who had received the maximum of group prevention (intensive prevention in kindergarten and gel program at school).
Conclusions
The results show that intensified preventive programs in kindergartens and schools, based mainly on supervised toothbrushing, have a positive effect on the dental health of primary school children.
Clinical relevance
Such programs are efficient in reducing caries experience especially in socially deprived areas.