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

Zacherl 1972.

Methods Stratified random allocation; double‐blind (A); placebo‐controlled; 34% drop out after 2 years (study duration = 2 years). 
 Reasons for attrition NR; no differential group losses.
Participants 447 children analysed at 2 years (available at final examination).
 Age range at start: 6‐15 years (average = 10).
 Surfaces affected at start: 11.7 DMFS.
 Background exposure to fluoride: none reported.
 Year study began: in/before 1969.
 Location: Canada.
Interventions FT versus PL 
 (SnF2 group = 1000 ppm F).
Home use/unsupervised, daily frequency assumed.
 Abrasive system: Ca pyrophosphate in SnF2 toothpaste, placebo toothpaste abrasive NR.
Outcomes 2yDMFS increment ‐ cl+xr.
 Reported at 1 and 2 years follow ups.
DMFT.
Notes Participants randomised (N = 677).
 Baseline characteristics (age, gender, DMFS, DMFT) 'balanced'.
 Clinical (VT) caries assessment by one examiner, diagnostic threshold = NR. Radiographic assessment (5‐10 BW) by one examiner; diagnostic threshold = NR. 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