Follow-up of an Intervention to Reduce Dental Caries in Indigenous Australian Children

Abstract

Key Points Question Does an early childhood caries intervention among Aboriginal Australian children have long-term effectiveness? Findings At the 3-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial involving 448 mothers and their children, children who received the intervention during pregnancy or early infancy had statistically less clinically detected untreated dental caries than their counterparts in the delayed intervention group. Meaning A multipronged, culturally safe early childhood caries intervention delivered earlier rather than later in infancy may confer greater benefits among this population.