Effectiveness Of Varnish Fluoride Among Preschool-Aged Children In Preventing Early Childhood Caries

Duong Van Tu1*, Bui Thi Tu Quyen2, Dao Thi Dung3, Tong Thi Hong Nhung4

1*Ninh Binh Province Food Safety Department, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam
Email: tstuhn@gmail.com
(Corresponding Author)
2Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
3VNU University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
4Ninh Binh Provincial Center for Disease Control, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam

Received: ; Revised: ; Accepted: ; Available Online:

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of varnish fluoride among preschool-aged children in preventing early childhood caries.

Methods: A quasi-experiment study, comprising pre- and post-test controlled groups, was conducted at four public preschools in Phu Ly city, Ha Nam province. Children with an age range of 36 to 47 months at the time of the study were invited to participate. A total of 430 children (208 intervention groups and 222 control groups) participated in the study. The intervention group received varnish fluoride (5% NaF) and basic oral health care instruction, while the control group received basic oral health care instruction. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) regression model was utilized in measuring the interventions' effectiveness on dental caries.

Results: The overall rate of primary ECC was 71.2% in the intervention group and 80.2% in the control group at baseline. The rate of ECC in the intervention group decreased to 66.8% after 6 months and 62.0% after 12 months, while the rate in the control group increased to 86.6% after 6 months and 89.2% after 12 months. The rate of ECC level D1-D2 and D3 in the intervention arm was significantly lower than the control arm after 6 and 12 months (p<0.05). The DMFT index reduced from 3.69 (SD=3.83) at baseline to 3.45 (SD=3.72) after 6 months and 3.07 (SD=3.40) after 12 months (p<0.04). Meanwhile, in the control arm, the DMFT index increased from 5.73 (SD=4.88) at baseline to 7.81 (SD=4.92) after 12 months (p<0.05). Overall, children receiving the intervention had a risk of ECC 0.33 times (OR=0.33; 95%CI=0.21-0.51) compared to children who did not receive intervention.

Conclusion: This study indicated that the use of 5% NaF varnish fluoride demonstrates efficacy in mitigating dental caries progression among preschool-aged children.

Keywords: varnish fluoride, preschool, children, dental caries

How to cite this article: Tu DV, Quyen BTT, Dung DT, Nhung TTH, Effectiveness Of Varnish Fluoride Among Preschool-Aged Children In Preventing Early Childhood Caries. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(4s): 463-471; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.4s.58