Fluoride Application on Preventing and Arresting Root Caries in Fluoridated and Non-fluoridated Areas
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
This study was a randomized clinical trial lasting for 24 months in two study sites, Hong
Kong (water fluoridated) and Guangzhou (non-fluoridated area). A total of 534 subjects will
be recruited from elderly social centers located in different districts in the two study
sites (260 & 274). Baseline clinical examination was conducted by a single calibrated
examiner in the social centers using an intra-oral LED light, mouth mirrors and probes.
Subjects were randomly allocated into two study groups and receive interventions accordingly.
Follow-up examinations at 6-month intervals were carried out to assess the clinical outcomes,
i.e. whether new root caries developed and whether the active root caries found at baseline
become arrested. Results of this study could provide the much needed evidence to guide the
dental professionals in Hong Kong and China, and possibly worldwide in deciding on the most
appropriate intervention for the prevention and management of this common dental disease of
the older adults.