Glass-ionomer sealant and fluoride varnish application equally effective for preventing occlusal caries: Study

Written By : Dr. Shravani Dali |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2024-10-24T20:00:24+05:30 | Updated On 25 Oct 2024 11:55 AM IST

Glass-ionomer sealant and fluoride varnish application equally effective for preventing occlusal caries suggests a study published in the Journal of Dentistry.

A study was done to compare the clinical efficacies of 5% sodium fluoride varnish (NaFV) and glass-ionomer sealant (GIS) in preventing occlusal caries in primary second molars (PSMs). A total of 736 children were recruited from 18 kindergartens and randomised into either Group 1- receiving NaFV quarterly, or Group 2 - single placement of GIS at baseline. Interventions were performed on 1431 and 1264 PSMs in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The primary outcome was the development of ICDAS≥4 dentine caries at the occlusal surfaces of PSMs.

Results: A total of 736 children (383 in Group 1; 353 in Group 2) received the intervention. After 18-24 months, 479 children with 1764 PSMs were reviewed. Despite a low GIS retention rate of 2.4% by 18-24 months, only 17.1% of PSM in the GIS group developed caries into dentine. No significant difference was identified when compared to the proportion of PSMs with caries into dentine in the NaFV group (17.0%).

Regression analysis with GEE revealed that only baseline dft score and plaque level had a significant influence on development of ICDAS≥4 dentine caries in PSMs. Quarterly-applied NaFV and a single placement of medium viscosity GIS have similar clinical efficacies in preventing occlusal caries among preschool children. There is no significant difference between quarterly-applied NaFV and GIS in preventing occlusal caries at PSMs. Dental clinicians can choose to use either of these preventive methods after considering their own and parents' preferences, children's cooperation and other practical factors.

Reference:

Lam PPY, Lo ECM, Yiu CKY. Effectiveness of glass-ionomer sealant versus fluoride varnish application to prevent occlusal caries among preschool children over 18-24 months - A randomised controlled trial. J Dent. 2024 Sep 30:105356. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105356. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39357618.

Glass-ionomersealantfluoridevarnishapplicationequallyeffectivepreventingocclusalcariesstudy

Source : Journal of Dentistry

Dr. Shravani Dali

Dr. Shravani Dali has completed her BDS from Pravara institute of medical sciences, loni. Following which she extensively worked in the healthcare sector for 2+ years. She has been actively involved in writing blogs in field of health and wellness. Currently she is pursuing her Masters of public health-health administration from Tata institute of social sciences. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751