The effect of supervised tooth cleansing every second week on dental caries in Danish school children

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a program of regular plaque control carried out by a group of school children, supervised and assisted by dental personnel.

Approximately 200 children 5–13 years of age were randomly assigned to two groups. Children in the experimental group performed supervised toothbrushing every second week during the schoolyear, using a disclosing solution. Following this, a disclosing solution was reapptied and the remaining plaque removed by dental personnel. Both groups participated in fortnightly fluoride rinses, regular toothbrushing instruction and various educational activities.

Mean dental caries increment at the precavitation level during the 2-year experimental period was 19 per cent lower in the experimental group than in the control group. At the cavitation level the difference was 17 per cent. None of these differences were statistically significant. The conclusion of the present study was that only limited effect of regular removal of dental plaque as performed by school children could be demonstrated.