[Swiss studies on the effects of prophylactic treatment of dental caries in children (author's transl)].

The gradual introduction of various measures of fluoridation in different cantons facilitated studies of a quasi-experimental type on schoolchildren. The use of a standardized method for obtaining the customary indices of dental caries provided data suited for comparison between the experimental and the control communities. On a general basis, the strongest reduction of caries prevalence was obtained by means of fluoride in water (canton of Basle) and in salt at the optimal concentration of 250 mg/kg (canton of Vaud). At school age, prevention of caries should be combined with the prevention of periodontitis and necessitates the use of a comprehensive policy for dental health.