Approximal caries development following intensive fluoride mouthrinsing inteenagers. A 3-year radiographic study

Caries development on approximal surfaces was studied in 139 adolescents fo r a period of 3 yr. A test group was randomly sampled (n = 69) and subjecte d to a new intensive mode of fluoride (F) mouthrinsings using 10 mi of 0.04 5% NaF neutral solution once a day for 3 d, twice a year in all, i.e., 6 ri nses per year. A control group (n=70) rinsed in a similar mode using fluori de-free tap water. The two groups received the same basic prophylactic prog ram during the trial. Detection of approximal caries lesions and fillings w as based on bitewing radiographs at baseline and after 3 yr. The test group developed an average of 2.75 +/- 4.76 (mean +/- SD) approximal DFS compare d with 3.21 +/- 4.74 DFS in the control group (n.s.). However, among those teenagers who were caries free (DFS = 0) at baseline, the incidence of appr oximal carious and filled surfaces was 1.76 +/- 4.52 in the F-rinsing group (n = 26) compared with 2.76 +/- 5.01 DFS in the control group (n = 32), a 36% caries reduction which was statistically significant. The intensified m outhrinsing procedure seems to be a promising prophylactic mode for collect ive caries prevention.