Comparison of caries prevalence 7 years after discontinuation of school-based fluoride rinsing or toothbrushing in Norway.

The purpose of this study was to compare caries prevalence in two groups of 21-yr-olds 6-7 yr after discontinuation of school-based preventive programs consisting respectively of fortnightly rinsing or brushing 3-5 times per year with NaF solutions. Stratified random samples of 125 persons were drawn from appropriate population registers. Non-response was 30%. Blind clinical and radiographic examinations were carried out and the subjects were interviewed concerning their dental health related behavior. The results revealed significantly lower mean DMFS score in the rinsing than in the brushing group (P less than 0.001). Comparisons with results of other studies suggest persistence of benefits of school-based preventive programs after discontinuation.