Caries-Preventive Effects of Self-Applied Subacidic 0.5% NaF-HF Gel via Toothbrushing in 7–8-Year-Old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 01 | Page : 14 19
    By

    Ki-Ho Rim,

  • Chol-Jun Hwang,

  • So Yon Kim,

  • Chol Ho Kim,

  • Byong-So Ri,

  • Sun-Yong Choe,

  • Jin-Hyok Kim,

  1. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  2. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  3. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  4. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  5. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  6. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea
  7. Researcher, Department of Orthodontics, Pyongyang University of Medical Sciences, Pyongyang, DPR Korea

Abstract

To assess the caries-preventive effectiveness of self-applied subacidic 0.5% sodium fluoride–hydrofluoric acid (NaF-HF) gel used during toothbrushing in children aged 7–8 years Objective: To assess the caries-preventive effectiveness of self-applied subacidic 0.5% sodium fluoride–hydrofluoric acid (NaF-HF) gel used during toothbrushing in children aged 7–8 years. Methods: This 1-year, multi-arm, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group randomized study evaluated the caries-preventive efficacy of self-applied 0.5% NaF-HF gel among primary schoolchildren. A total of 1200 children from nine primary schools were randomized into four groups: Group 1 (once-yearly application), Group 2 (twice-yearly application), Group 3 (four times yearly application), and Group 4 (placebo control). Dental examinations were conducted by calibrated examiners using a mouth mirror and sickle probe under natural light in the school environment. The primary outcome was the increment in decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index (including D1MFT and D2MFT) for maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean increments of D1MFT and D2MFT across the study groups (P<0.001). Compared to the control group, the prevented fractions for D1MFT were 33% (Group 1), 67% (Group 2), and 81% (Group 3), while those for D2MFT were 30% (Group 1), 46% (Group 2), and 78% (Group 3). No significant differences in D3MFT increments were detected (P=0.057), and no adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Subacidic 0.5% NaF-HF gel is highly effective for caries prevention in 7–8-year-old children when self-applied. The caries-preventive effect is dose-dependent, with four yearly applications yielding the highest efficacy (≥78%).

Keywords: Caries prevention, Dental caries, Randomized controlled trial, Self-application, Subacidic 0.5% NaF-HF gel

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry ]

How to cite this article:
Ki-Ho Rim, Chol-Jun Hwang, So Yon Kim, Chol Ho Kim, Byong-So Ri, Sun-Yong Choe, Jin-Hyok Kim. Caries-Preventive Effects of Self-Applied Subacidic 0.5% NaF-HF Gel via Toothbrushing in 7–8-Year-Old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(01):14-19.
How to cite this URL:
Ki-Ho Rim, Chol-Jun Hwang, So Yon Kim, Chol Ho Kim, Byong-So Ri, Sun-Yong Choe, Jin-Hyok Kim. Caries-Preventive Effects of Self-Applied Subacidic 0.5% NaF-HF Gel via Toothbrushing in 7–8-Year-Old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2026; 17(01):14-19. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjod/article=2026/view=238998


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 17
Issue 01
Received 30/11/2025
Accepted 22/01/2026
Published 26/02/2026
Publication Time 88 Days
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