Method: Two-to-four-year-old schoolchildren living in a fluoridated area (0.6–0.8 ppm F), with or without active caries lesions were randomly allocated into 3 groups differing according to the type of dentifrice used over 12 months: Group 1 (n = 104) - 1,100 ppm F, pH 7.0, Group 2 (n = 107) - 550 ppm F, pH 7.0, Group 3 (n = 104) - 550 ppm F, pH 4.5. The number of lesions becoming active/cavities or inactive, were clinically evaluated, determining whether the lesions had progressed or regressed, respectively. In addition, the white spot lesions were evaluated by the quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) method in a subsample of 75 caries-active children. The progression or regression of the lesions was measured after 12 months by the variation in lesion area (mm2) and average change in fluorescence (DF) compared to baseline. Toenail fluoride concentrations were also evaluated. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey’s test or Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn’s tests (p<0.05).
Result: Caries progression followed a decreasing pattern according to the dentifrice used (G3 Conclusion:
The results reinforce previous data that showed good potential of the low-fluoride acidic liquid dentifrice to prevent caries and reduce fluoride intake. Thus, this dentifrice seems to be a good option for children at the age of risk to dental fluorosis.