Abstract
BACKGROUND: Early childhood caries (ECC) remains a significant public health concern affecting young children worldwide. Community-based fluoride varnish programs have been widely implemented as a preventive strategy. However, variations in application frequency and program delivery models necessitate an evaluation of their comparative effectiveness in reducing ECC prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 450 children aged 3-5 years were enrolled and divided into three groups based on the fluoride varnish application frequency: Group A (once every six months), Group B (once every three months), and Group C (once every two months). The study was conducted over one year in community health centers and preschools. Caries prevalence was assessed at baseline and after 12 months using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft) index. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and ANOVA to compare mean dmft scores among the groups. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean dmft scores were 4.2 ± 1.3 for Group A, 4.0 ± 1.2 for Group B, and 4.1 ± 1.1 for Group C, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). After one year, Group A showed a mean reduction in dmft score to 3.5 ± 1.1, Group B to 2.8 ± 0.9, and Group C to 2.1 ± 0.8, with Group C demonstrating the most significant reduction (P < 0.05). Regular fluoride varnish applications every two months showed the greatest effectiveness in reducing caries incidence. CONCLUSION: Community-based fluoride varnish programs effectively reduce ECC prevalence, with more frequent applications yielding better outcomes. Implementing fluoride varnish every two months may be the most effective strategy for caries prevention in preschool children. These findings highlight the importance of structured fluoride application protocols in community dental health programs.