‘Prevention better than cure’ in treating children’s tooth decay

A study led by a university expert has suggested dental drilling does not prevent pain and infection from decay in children’s teeth.

New research suggests preventative measures are necessary to stop decay developing in the first place.

The FiCTION trial, led by dentists from Dundee and elsewhere, worked with 1,144 three to seven-year-olds with visible tooth decay.

The families worked with dentists from one of 72 clinics, where they were assigned one of three dental treatments and monitored over three years.

The first approach focused on reducing sugar intake, twice-aday brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and placing fissure sealant on the first permanent molar teeth.

The second involved drilling tooth decay – the standard treatment for more than 50 years – combined with preventative measures.

The third sealed tooth decay under a metal crown or a filling to stop it progressing alongside preventative measures.

In total, 450 children experienced tooth decay regardless of treatment.

Sealing-in used with preventative measures was the best way of managing decay.

Professor Nicola Innes, chairwoman of paediatric dentistry at Dundee University, said: “Our study shows that each way of treating decay worked to a similar level, but that children who get tooth decay at a young age have a high chance of experiencing toothache and abscesses regardless of the way the dentist manages the decay.

“What is absolutely clear from our trial is that the best way to manage tooth decay is by preventing it in the first place.”