Self-application of an anticariogenic prophylaxis paste as a technique for the partial reduction of dental caries performed on a mass treatment basis

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)It has been shown repeatedly that the partial control of dental caries is possible through the use of fluoride compounds, either systemically or topically. Almost all the different treatments, beside water fluoridation, need be conducted by the dentist or dental hygienist. The high ratio of dentist to population, the cost and the time factor limits their uses. The demand for a new method to control dental caries was utilized in which the benefit of the available anticariogenic agents could be given on mass scale, with low cost and which could be conducted with fewer trained personnel. A clinical study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of self-application of a new anticariogenic prophylactic paste on dental caries by means of toothbrush. The self-prophylaxis was conducted each six months, by six-grade school children under supervision after thorough demonstration on proper toothbrushing by the hygienist. After one year the results showed that the self-application of the anticariogenic prophylactic paste resulted in 73.1 and 58.5 per cent reductions in DMFT and DMRS, respectively. Also, the instruction and practice of proper toothbrushing by the children twice a year motivated them to improve their oral hygiene and periodontal condition by 40.0 and 42.0 per cent, respectively. It appears that the partial control of dental caries achieved on mass basis, at low cost and conducted by fewer trained personnel is as effective as the treatment given by the trained personnel