The Fall-Asleep Pacifier
An Evidence-Based Practice
This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.
Description
The Fall-Asleep Pacifier is a slow-release device used to administer fluoride tablets to young children as a preventive measure against dental caries and streptococcal oral infection. Mothers of 16-month-old children received a package of fluoride tablets to be given to the child each evening using the Fall-Asleep Pacifier. The package also included a free toothbrush and leaflets about dental health of 1-2 year-olds. In addition to the package, mothers received dental health counseling.
Goal / Mission
The goal of this program is to reduce the dental cavity rate among children.
Results / Accomplishments
The effectiveness of the Fall-Asleep Pacifier was evaluated by comparing intervention and control groups in a prospective cohort study. At the four-month follow-up, children in the intervention group who used the Fall-Asleep Pacifier were significantly less likely to have plaque samples that were streptococcus positive when compared to the control group (9% vs. 25%, p < 0.05). Children in the intervention group developed significantly fewer (none) new dental caries in their primary dentitions than the control group between 2 and 3 ½ years of age (p < 0.001).
About this Promising Practice
Organization(s)
Health Center of Nummi-Pusula
Primary Contact
Antti S. Aaltonen
antti.aaltonen@nummi-pusula.fi
antti.aaltonen@nummi-pusula.fi
Topics
Health / Oral Health
Health / Children's Health
Health / Children's Health
Organization(s)
Health Center of Nummi-Pusula
Source
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
Date of publication
Dec 2000
Geographic Type
Rural
Location
Finland
For more details
Target Audience
Children