Skip to main content
. 2003 Jan 20;2003(1):CD002278. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002278

Forsman 1974.

Methods Random allocation; double‐blind (A); placebo‐controlled; 18% drop out after 2 years (study duration = 2 years). Reasons for attrition described with respective total numbers: change of residence/school, ortho treatment, did not wish to continue; no differential group losses reported (but not assessable).
Participants 559 children analysed at 2 years (available at final examination).
 Age range at start: 10‐11 years. Surfaces affected at start: 5.1 DMFS.
 Background exposure to fluoride: mouthrinse.
 Year study began: in/before 1970.
 Location: Sweden.
Interventions FT (3 groups) versus PL 
 (the NaF and one SMFP group = 250 ppm F, another SMFP group = 1000 ppm F).
Home use/unsupervised, daily frequency assumed.
 Abrasive system: silica in all toothpastes.
Outcomes 2yDMFS increment ‐ (NCA)cl.
 Reported at 2 years follow up.
BLMD‐DFS (clin).
 MD‐DFS (x‐ray).
Proportion of children with new smooth surface caries.
Notes Participants randomised (N = 681); numbers by group NR.
 Baseline characteristics (dental age, DMFS) 'balanced'.
 Clinical (VT) caries assessment by one examiner, diagnostic threshold = NCA. Radiographic assessment (postBW) by one examiner; diagnostic threshold = ER. State of tooth eruption included = NR. Diagnostic errors NR.
Risk of bias
Bias Authors' judgement Support for judgement
Allocation concealment (selection bias) Unclear risk B ‐ Unclear
HHS Vulnerability Disclosure