Biannual amine fluoride applications reduce caries in first permanent molars

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the caries preventive effect over 5-years of biannual topical fluoride applications to permanent molars of 1% amine fluoride solution. Design A randomised controlled trial in an Italian primary school. Intervention After positive consent 284 children aged 6 were randomly assigned in to test and control group. All children were examined at baseline and at 6-monthly intervals. At each examination they each received fluoride toothpaste (1–0.2% conc.). The test group had biannual applications of amine fluoride performed by personnel other than the examiners. The control group had the same procedure carried out with a placebo solution. Results Significant differences in first molar DMFT were seen between test and control groups from the third year. Survival analysis performed on first permanent molars sound at the beginning of the study also showed a significant difference. The prevented fraction PF (Ic - It/Ic) is calculated as 68%. Using this we can calculate the numbers needed to treat at different levels of disease to prevent 1 DMFT using the formula 1/incidence × preventive fraction (see ). Conclusion Biannual high concentration amine fluoride preparation is useful and justified for community prevention programmes. Brambilla E, Toseli A, Felloni A, Gagliani M, Malerba A, Strohmenger L. The effect of biannual applications of amine fluoride solution on caries incidence in permanent first molars. Int J Paed Dent. 1997; 7:9–14.