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. 2003 Jan 20;2003(1):CD002278. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD002278

Marthaler 1965.

Methods Random allocation; double‐blind (A);
 placebo‐controlled; 43% drop out (for all study groups combined) after 3 years (study duration = 7 years). Exclusions based on variation in toothpaste provision and presence in follow‐up examinations; any differential group losses not assessable.
Participants 269 children analysed at 3 years (present for all examinations).
 Age range at start: 6‐9 years (average = 8).
 Surfaces affected at start: 3.3 DMFS.
 Background exposure to fluoride: salt (suboptimal).
 Year study began: 1958.
 Location: Switzerland.
Interventions FT versus PL 
 (AmF group = 1250 ppm F).
Home use/unsupervised, daily frequency assumed.
 Abrasive system: IMP.
Outcomes 3yNetDFS increment ‐ (CA)cl+(DR)xr.
 Reported at 1.5, 3, 5 and 7 years follow ups.
postMD‐DFS. 
 antMD‐DFS.
 BL‐DFS.
 O‐DFS.
 DMFT.
 FT.
 FS.
 MT.
Notes Participants randomised (numbers for relevant groups NR).
 Baseline characteristics (age, DMFS, DMFT) 'balanced' (DFS baseline data NR).
 Clinical (V) caries assessment by one examiner; diagnostic threshold = CA and NCA; state of tooth eruption included NR. Radiographic assessment (2 postBW) by one examiner; diagnostic threshold = DR and ER; partial recording. Diagnostic errors NR.
Risk of bias
Bias Authors' judgement Support for judgement
Allocation concealment (selection bias) Low risk A ‐ Adequate
HHS Vulnerability Disclosure