RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the caries-reducing effect of an amine fluoride toothpaste when used under real-life conditions in a community preventive program. METHODS: Approximately 12,500 children 3-12 years of age were provided with toothpaste (four tubes or 360 grams annually during three years) to be used in kindergartens or schools and once a day at home. The teachers supervised daily toothbrushing sessions. Random samples of children in each of the ages 3, 6, 9, and 12 years were selected from the intervention and the reference communities at both the start of the study and after three years, and examined for dental caries experience. RESULTS: Amine fluoride dentifrice seemed to provide a reduction in dental caries prevalence compatible to the most commonly used fluoride dentifrice compounds. CONCLUSIONS: The implemented fluoride toothpaste program is a feasible and practical method of improving the oral health status of children.
