Caries-preventive effect of two concentrations of stannous fluoride mouthrinse.

The effectiveness of a stannous fluoride mouthrinse, when used once each school day, was investigated in a 3-year study. Effervescent stannous fluoride tablets of two concentrations were dissolved in 20 ml of water, giving solutions of 100 parts/10(6)F- and 200 parts/10(6)F- respectively. Approximately 1,200 children, with a mean age of 10 years, were divided on a random basis into three groups. Two of the groups rinsed with the two strengths of solution and the third group rinsed with a placebo. Examinations were carried out at the commencement of the study, and at yearly intervals thereafter. The final series was carried out a year after the rinsing procedures were terminated. There were significant reductions in the numbers of new caries in each of the two experimental groups as compared with the controls. The concentration of the solutions appeared to have little influence on the results. More dramatic reductions were noted in the teeth which erupted during the course of the study. A residual effect was demonstrated a year after the rinsing procedures were terminated.

Accidental deaths among British Columbia Indians.

A statistical and epidemiological review of British Columbia native Indian and non-Indian mortality revealed that accidents were the leading cause of death among Indians but ranked only fourth among non-Indians. Comparison of accidental death rates by age and sex showed that, without exception, the rates among Indians were considerably higher than the corressponding rates for non-Indians. While the Indians represented some 2% of the total population of British Columbia, they accounted for over 10% of the total accident fatalities, 29% of drownings, and 21% of fatal burns.Socioeconomic, environmental and psychosocial factors and excessive drinking are considered the chief causes responsible for this rather unusual epidemiological phenomenon.This study revealed certain hazardous conditions which are specific to the Indian's present way of life. In the authors' opinion the recognition of these specific hazards is imperative for the planning of effective preventive campaigns.