Fluoridated salt for caries prevention and control – a 2‐year field study in a disadvantaged community

Abstract

Salt fluoridation is considered a cost-effective community strategy for reducing caries. To evaluate the effect of school-based and domestic distribution of F-salt to schoolchildren residing in a disadvantaged community. Seven hundred and thirty-three schoolchildren (12-14years), attending two public schools, were enrolled; one was assigned to intervention (IS), whereas the other served as reference (RS). Subjects in IS were given access to F-salt (250ppm F) in marked jars at school lunch and through free supply for domestic use. The 2-year caries increment and progression rate, assessed from bitewing radiographs, was scored. Information on diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride exposure was collected through a baseline questionnaire. The dropout rate was high (IS 27%; RS 18%). At baseline, the IS children displayed more unfavourable risk factors and a higher caries experience than RS children. There were no significant differences in total caries increment or proximal progression rate between the two schools. A negative correlation (r=-0.29; P<0.05) between the amount of delivered salt and the caries progression rate was, however, noted. No side effects were reported. F-salt was not effective in this setting. Still, the findings indicate that salt may be a beneficial source of fluoride in schoolchildren provided that compliance can be secured.