DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Dental caries continues to be too prevalent and severe globally, impacting numerous children. The present study was conducted to assess effect of fluoride varnish in preventing dental caries of first permanent molars.
Materials & Methods: 120 children of both genderswere divided into 2 groups. Group I comprised of 60 in which topical application of fluoride varnish at baseline, and then every 6 months, for a total of 4 applications during the 24-months was performed. In group II children (60), no varnish was applied. The caries status of the primary and erupted permanent teeth was recorded according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria at baseline and at the end of the 24 months.            
Results: Group I comprised of 25 males and 35 females and group II had 23 males and 37 females. Frequency of tooth brushing was >2 in 16 in group I and 18 in group II and <2 in 44 in group I and 42 in group II. Frequency of sweets intake was >1 in 26 in group I and 29 in group II and <1 in 34 in group I and 31 in group II. Dental caries in primary dentition was seen in 52 in group I and 50 in group II. The mean DFS was 0.03 in group I and 0.04 in group II. Dental caries was seen in 7 in group I and 9 in group II. The difference was non- significant (P> 0.05). The mean DFS of the first permanent molars over a 24-months study course in group I was 0.41 and in group II was 0.68. Dental caries was seen in 10 in group I and 15 in group II. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: The caries increments of first permanent molars can be reduced by applying fluoride varnish twice a year