Occlusal caries prevention in high and low risk schoolchildren. A clinical trial

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the caries-preventive effect of a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement used as occlusal sealant (Vitremer) compared with fluoride varnish (Duraphat) application on occlusal surfaces of permanent first molars (OSPFM) in 6-8 year-old schoolchildren (n=268) at high (HR) and low (LR) caries risk.

Methods: The children were followed-up for 24 months after being systematically allocated into six groups as follows: Control Groups HRC and LRC: children receiving oral health education (OHE) every 3 months; Groups HRV and LRV: children receiving OHE plus varnish application biannually; and Groups HRS and LRS: children receiving OHE plus a single sealant application . The baseline and follow-up examinations were performed by the same calibrated dentist under natural light, using CPI probes and mirrors, after toothbrushing and air-drying. The DMFS was used to record dental caries, in addition to the detection of initial lesions (IL). Data analysis was performed with two primary outcome measures: DMF and DMF+ IL on the OSPFM.

Results: After 24 months, only the HRS group showed statistically lower DMF and DMF+IL increments on OSPFM compared with HRC group. HRV group did not differ from HRC and HRS groups. For LR groups, no statistical difference (P> 0.05) was observed among the treatments.