Topical Fluoride in Preventing Occlusal Caries in Children in a Fluoridated Area: A Randomized Clinical Trial

= 0.027). The effectiveness of SDF and NaF varnish in preventing occlusal cavitated caries was not significantly different (hazard ratio = 0.97, 95% credible interval = 0.57, 1.63). Baseline oral hygiene status, caries experience, occlusal surface status, tooth type and location, and snack-taking frequency significantly influenced the incidence of occlusal caries. Compared with placebo control, both semi-annual application of 38% SDF and semi-annual application of 5% NaF varnish are effective in preventing occlusal cavitated caries in primary molars, and their effectiveness is not significantly different.