Objective: This communication examines the combined effect of topical polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP)-iodine plus fluoride varnish in the prevention of tooth decay in erupting first permanent molars in an ongoing public health program.
Methods: The evaluation employed a retrospective cohort design with two groups of children 60-83 months. Cohort 1 (2004-05) received three times per school year topical fluoride varnish, and Cohort 2 (2008-09) received topical application of 10 percent PVP-iodine followed at each visit with topical fluoride varnish. The children were examined clinically at the beginning and end of the school year.
Results: The proportion of children with caries-free first permanent molars in Cohort 2 (PVP-iodine plus fluoride varnish) was 0.883 and was greater than that in Cohort 1 (varnish), which was 0.785 (Chi-square = 1.000E1, df 1, P < 0.002).
Conclusions: This evaluation of an ongoing dental public health program adds evidence that topical antiseptics applied at the same time as fluoride varnish are more effective than varnish alone. Randomized trials are needed.