COMPARATIVE 3-YEAR CARIES PROTECTION FROM AN ALUMINUM-CONTAINING AND A FLUORIDE-CONTAINING TOOTHPASTE

In the present study, 2,087 fifth-graders (mean age: 12 years) from tw o cohorts entered a 3-year clinical toothpaste trial. The study subjec ts were randomly allocated to two groups: one group was a positive con trol using a 0.83% NaFPO3 toothpaste, while the other group brushed wi th a test toothpaste containing 1.77% KAl(SO4)(2). Both toothpastes we re used unsupervised at home. One set of bite-wing radiographs was obt ained at the beginning of the trial and another at the 3-year follow-u p. Clinical registrations of caries were performed by the municipal de ntists responsible for the child's dental care. After 3 years, the mea n caries increment was significantly higher in the group using the alu minium-containing toothpaste measured both clinically and radiographic ally.