Seal or Varnish

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Seal or Varnish? A Randomised Trial To Determine The Relative Cost And Effectiveness Of Pit And Fissure Sealants And Fluoride Varnish In Preventing Dental Decay

• IRAS ID

  72232

• Contact name

  Ivor Chestnutt

• Sponsor organisation

  Cardiff University, Research and Commercial Division

• Eudract number

  2010-023476-23

• ISRCTN Number

  ISRCTN17029222

• Research summary

  Dental caries (tooth decay) remains a significant source of morbidity in children, particularly those from deprived backgrounds where levels of decay are three times higher than in better off areas. In the worst affected areas 69% of 12 year olds have decay in their permanent teeth. The majority of this (84%) is located on the biting surface of the first molars which erupt at age six. We know that the application of pit and fissure sealants to the biting surface is effective in preventing tooth decay. This treatment consists of a plastic coating that occludes the rough biting surface which harbour decay-causing bacteria.The application at six-monthly intervals ofluride varnish, containing high levels ofluride is also known to prevent decay. This works by strengthening the tooth enamel making it more decay resistant. Fissure sealant application requires an involved dental intervention (use of rotary brush, tooth surface preparation to make the sealant stick, use of a sucker to keep the tooth dry). Varnish application simply involves painting the tooth surface. Using the existing structure established by the Cardiff & Vale University Health Board Community Dental Service Fissure Sealant Programme (this programme has been running since 2002 and utilises mobile dental clinical to treat 3,300 6-year old children annually), the study will take the form of a randomised trial in which children will receive either fissure sealants on their first permanent molars ofluride varnish. We will determine the success of the study, by comparing the proportion of children who receive the alternative treatments who are caries-free in their first molar teeth after three years. We will also look at the cost effectiveness and patient acceptability of the treatments. The findings from this study will be applicable across the NHS, particularly in areas of high need with greatest health inequalities.

• REC name

  Wales REC 3

• REC reference

  11/MRE09/6

• Date of REC Opinion

  15 Feb 2011

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion