Influence of an experimental sodium fluoride dentifrice on dental caries incidence in children.

Schoolchildren residing in a fluoride-deficient area were provided either a sodium fluoride (0.1% F) or a nonfluoride dentifrice for home use. About half the children provided each type of dentifrice were also given an initial prophylaxis. Combining the data with regard to the type of dentifrice indicated that the sodium fluoride dentifrice resulted in dental caries reductions of 24 and 26% as noted by the two examiners, respectively.