National Survey on School-based Fluoride Mouth Rinsing Program in Japan

Methods: Data were collected by questionnaire surveys regarding the schools and children participating in FMR, frequency of rinse, used agent for mouth rinsing, fluoride concentration of the rinsing solution and financial support for FMR. The latest survey, a joint with 8020 Promotion Foundation, WHO Collaborating Center for Translation of Oral Health Science and NPO-JPUF, was conducted in 2008. Questionnaires were sent to manager of oral health in all 47 prefectures.

Results: The total number of schools and children participating in FMR were 6,433 and 674,141 in 2008, respectively (recovery rate: 100%). The ratio by the total number of schools and children in Japan were 9 % and 5 %, (nursery schools 14 % and 10 %, kindergartens 7 % and 5 %, primary schools 9 % and 6%, secondary schools 3 % and 2%, and schools for special needs education; physically handicapped and mentally retarded children 3 % in each item), respectively. In nursery schools and kindergartens, 43 % and 26 % of the participating children adopted the daily rinsing-method using 250 ppm F and 450 ppm F solution, respectively. In primary and secondary schools, either of them 64 %, adopted the weekly rinsing-method using 900 ppm F solution. FMR was supported only by public funds of the prefectural and municipal governments in 74 % of nursery schools, 59% of kindergartens, 84 % of primary schools, 88 % of secondary schools and 100 % of schools for special needs education.

Conclusion: We have recognized considerable disparities among regions even though the number of schools and children implementing FMR was widen.