Efficacy of a slow-release device containing fluoride, xylitol and sorbitol in preventing infant caries

Abstract

A novel slow-release administration device, the ''Fall-Asleep Pacifier'' (FAP), was studied as a prophylactic measure against mutans streptococcal oral infection and dental caries in a risk group of 1-year-old children by comparing the test (T, n = 34) and control (C, n = 88) groups in a prospective cohort study. In the T group the children received their fluoride tablets (Fludent^®, containing NaF corresp. 0.25 mg F^-, xylitol 159 mg and sorbitol 153 mg) in the evenings in FAP. In the C group the children received the same dose of Fludent^® crushed in food in the evenings. The proportion of children, whose plaque samples from the upper incisors were mutans streptococcus positive at the age of 24 months, was significantly (P < 0.05) greater in group C (25%) than in group T (9%). The children in the T group developed significantly (P < 0.001) less (none) new dentinal carious lesions in their primary dentitions than the children in the C group between 2 and 3½ years of age. Fifty-four percent of the children to whom the FAP was offered complied with regular use of it. The beneficial effect observed in the T group compared with the C group was apparently mostly due to the administration mode via FAP, which could prolong the intra-oral bio-availability of the prophylactic preparation.