Effect of sodium fluoride mouthwash program on the today primary students old students in Shahrekord, Iran

Fluoride is one of the most important substances which are used to prevent dental caries. Since 1988, sodium fluoride mouthwash has been distributed in primary school to use by students. This study aimed to investigate the effect of using sodium fluoride mouthwash in a population of the students (9 and 12-years old) in Shahrekord and also to determine DMFT (Decay Missed Filled Teeth) index in these students. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Shahrekord in the year 2006. The simple random clustering multistage method was used to select the required sample. The data were collected using interview, questionnaires and student examinations. Data were compared with the pervious data which were collected from the same students in 1998, using Chi-square test. The average DMFT value (for permanent teeth) among 9 and 12-year old students has significantly increased from 1998 to 2006 (P<0.05). In addition, the average dmft value (for milk teeth) among 9 years old students was 3.5±0.28 before using sodium fluoride mouthwash and this value has significantly increased to 5±0.059 in 2006 (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the fluorosis cases between 9 and 12-years old students before and after using sodium fluoride mouthwash (P>0.05). Using sodium fluoride mouthwash seems to have no effect on DMFT index. It is suggested that other methods such as fisher sealants, water fluoridation, using high quality milk in schools and accessible dental care services should be considered in the province and the country.