B L Chadwick1, E T Treasure, R A Playle. 1. Department of Dental Health and Biological Sciences, Dental School, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XY, UK. Chadwickb1@cardiff.ac.uk
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Caries levels in pre-school children remain high in some areas of the UK. Studies of glass ionomer fissure sealants show their potential for caries prevention in permanent teeth, but their use in primary teeth has not been reported. AIM: To determine whether a glass ionomer fissure sealant placed on primary molars in pre-school children at high risk of developing dental caries can decrease the incidence of dental caries. MATERIAL: 508 children aged 18-30 months from high caries areas of South Wales with caries-free first primary molars were recruited to the trial after informed consent. METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled individual randomised controlled trial (RCT). All children (n = 508) received a standard package of dental health education. Children in the test group (n = 241) had their first primary molars sealed with glass ionomer. All the children were re-examined once at varying intervals between 12 and 30 months. RESULTS: Analysis of the caries data revealed no significant difference between test and control groups for any of the parameters examined. Examination of the confidence intervals showed no indication that there might be a difference even if the sample size had been increased. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that the intervention as used in this population had any effect on caries incidence and it cannot be recommended as a clinical procedure. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Caries levels in pre-school children remain high in some areas of the UK. Studies of glass ionomer fissure sealants show their potential for caries prevention in permanent teeth, but their use in primary teeth has not been reported. AIM: To determine whether a glass ionomer fissure sealant placed on primary molars in pre-school children at high risk of developing dental caries can decrease the incidence of dental caries. MATERIAL: 508 children aged 18-30 months from high caries areas of South Wales with caries-free first primary molars were recruited to the trial after informed consent. METHODS: This was a placebo-controlled individual randomised controlled trial (RCT). All children (n = 508) received a standard package of dental health education. Children in the test group (n = 241) had their first primary molars sealed with glass ionomer. All the children were re-examined once at varying intervals between 12 and 30 months. RESULTS: Analysis of the caries data revealed no significant difference between test and control groups for any of the parameters examined. Examination of the confidence intervals showed no indication that there might be a difference even if the sample size had been increased. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that the intervention as used in this population had any effect on caries incidence and it cannot be recommended as a clinical procedure. Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Ana Luiza Falavinha Vieira; Nildiceli Leite Melo Zanella; Eduardo Bresciani; Terezinha de Jesus Esteves Barata; Salete Moura Bonifácio da Silva; Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira Machado; Maria Fidela de Lima Navarro Journal: J Appl Oral Sci Date: 2006-08 Impact factor: 2.698