The Tayside Brushing Study - Adult Follow up

Historically dental health of Scottish children had been poor for many years. Evidence form clinical trials of fluoride toothpaste identified a route to improving prevention. Those who had poor dental health used fluoride toothpaste infrequently at home. The investigators hypothesised that this disadvantage could be overcome by supplying toothpaste to disadvantaged families and supervising child toothbrushing at school. In 1997, 534 children 5.3 years were recruited in 12 primary schools in Tayside; randomly assigned to one of two groups - test group followed a home-to-school toothbrushing programme with fluoride toothpaste; control group: usual care. Children in test group were provided with toothbrushes and toothpaste (1,000ppmF as sodium monofluorophosphate) for home use; also brushed their teeth school daily. After 2 years, children participating in the supervised brushing programme developed significantly less caries (tooth decay). Permission was given for longitudinal follow up of children and dental records. The original intervention lasted 30 months and children were re-examined at 36 months after baseline, 48, 60 and 84 months. At 84 month examination, 77% were available, found prolonged benefits of brushing programme. This was 4.5 years after the end of the programme; children were aged 11.5 years. At age 14 years, 6.5 years after intervention end, 65% of children were reexamined; benefit was still evident at 20-26% less caries experience. However, there had been greater subject loss and insufficient funds available to undertake a more individual followup of participants. Since then, records have been followed; up-to-date contact details identified. Using this new data, the investigators seek to reconsent the participants, now aged 23 to invite them to attend a followup dental examination. This study has the potential to provide unique information on longterm costs and benefits of a home-to-school toothbrushing programme.