Incidence and Recurrence of Dental Caries after Repeated Application of Topical Fluoride Gel on Permanent Dentition of School Children of a School-based Dental Program in Nerul: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Fluoride is a known caries preventive agent. According to previous literature, a school based
preventive program using fluoride gel could be effective in reducing the level of dental caries in children.
There are very few studies that have been done in India in this regard. So, a retrospective study was planned
to evaluate the preventive program of application of Acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel on permanent
teeth of school going children of 10-11 years till 15-16 years for 5 years.
Material and Method: The caries experience of the children was recorded using decayed, missing, filled
teeth (DMFT) index using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria by investigator 1. Fluoride application
of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride 1.23% APF gel (Fluorovil, Vishal Dentocare Pvt. Ltd, Ahmedabad, India)
for 4 minutes was carried out biannuallyby single trained investigator 2. This was done from 2010-11 till
2016-17. This data for 5 years was recorded and analysed retrospectively using centre records. After data
collection, statistical analysis were done using (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) SPSS version 20.0.
Results and Discussion: The DMFT post fluoride application was significantly lower than DMFT value pre
fluoride application. No side effects were reported by this school based program.
Conclusion: This study results prove that APF gel application is an appropriate measure that can be
recommended for other school-based programs. It is a safe and feasible caries preventive measure.