Caries Prevalence in Norwegian Recruits 5–7 Years after Discontinuation of Supervised Fluoride Toothbrushing Programmes

The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not supervised fluoride toothbrushing programmes at school gave reduced caries prevalence among former participants 5–7 years after discontinuation. The 121 male military recruits of group A had brushed their teeth with an 0.5–1% sodium fluoride solution 3–5 times per year for at least 6 years, while the 64 subjects of group B had not. There were on average 3–4 fewer DMFS in group A than in group B. The results suggest some long-term benefit of limited practical importance, but alternative explanations for the observed difference cannot be precluded.