[The caries prevention campaign in the Canton of Zürich during 1962-1974 along with a statistical result report from the first 8 years]

Abstract

In November 1962, a caries prophylactic campaign was inaugurated in the canton of Zurich. At the end of 1965, two thirds of the communities, 115 of 171, had introduced already toothbrushing with fluorine compounds at school, under supervision. The following years though did not bring notable increase in participation of the remaining communities. Here are the main results of the campaign: -reduction of dental caries in the permanent dentition by 45 to 50% (fig. 2) -reduction of dental caries on cuspid and incisor teeth and on the buccal and lingual surfaces of lateral teeth by about 80% -reduction of first molar extractions (fig. 5) -massive reduction of the number of untreated carious teeth (table VI) -better condition of the deciduous dentition (fig. 6, 7) -reduction in the incidence of gingival inflammations (table VII, fig. 8) -reduction of the supra- and subgingival calculus deposits. It is deduced from the discussion that supervised toothbrushing with fluorides, the spread of fluoridated toothpastes, and in a lesser degree--the fluoridation of table salt are a certain cause for the massive improvement of juvenile dentitions. It is still uncertain whether the avoidance of sugar containing snacks have also contributed to the favourable result. The reduction of gingival inflammations can only be explained by the improved home care. It cannot be proven if this has also an influence upon caries incidence.