Approximal Caries Development Following Intensive Fluoride Mouthrinsing in Teenagers. A 3-year Radiographic Study

Caries development on approximal surfaces was studied in 139 adolescents for a period of 3 yr. A test group was randomly sampled (n=69) and subjected to a new intensive mode of fluoride (F) mouthrinsings using 10 ml of 0.045% NaF neutral solution once a day for 3 d, twice a year in all, i.e., 6 rinses per year. A control group (n = 70) rinsed in a similar mode using fluoride-free tap water. The two groups received the same basic prophylactic program during the trial. Detection of approximal caries lesions and fillings was based on bitewing radiographs at baseline and after 3 yr. The test group developed an average of 2.75 + 4.76 (mean +/- SD) approximal DFS compared with 3.21 + 4.74 DFS in the control group (n.s.). However, among those teenagers who were caries free (DFS = 0) at baseline, the incidence of approximal carious and filled surfaces was 1.76+/-4.52 in the F-rinsing group (n = 26) compared with 2.76+/-5.01 DFS in the control group (n = 32), a 36% caries reduction which was statistically significant. The intensified mouthrinsing procedure seems to be a promising prophylactic mode for collective caries prevention.