Rinse Program:
Outline
Administrative Guidelines

Tablet Program:
Outline
Administrative Guidelines

King Fluoride School-Based Rinse Program
Outline

Program Description
King Fluoride is a voluntary, once a week, fluoride mouthrinse for the prevention of cavities. The program targets grades K-6 in schools with a 30% or greater rate of students on Free and Reduced Lunch Programs, as their decay rates are statistically higher. This program does not replace fluoride in water supplies, fluoride tablets, fluoride toothpastes, or professionally applied fluoride treatments. This program can be used alone or with any of the above for added benefits. The rinse is swished for 60 seconds and spit back into a cup, and then the cup is thrown away. The program is sponsored by Oregon Public Health and provided at no cost to the schools or students. Training materials are provided by the Oregon Public Health for all volunteers.

History
The fluoride mouthrinse program began statewide in 1974, under the name Swish and Swash. In 1983, the program became known as King Fluoride.

Need
There has been a national trend showing a decline in tooth decay in 6-17 year olds over the last 10 years. Forty-nine percent of children in this age group are now cavity free. The national trend has been due largely to increased access to fluoride through water fluoridation, fluoride mouthrinse and tablets, and toothpaste, as well as increased concern and interest in maintaining oral hygiene. Although 49% cavity free looks great, in Oregon 55% of 6-8 year olds, 46% of 10-12 year olds, and 70% of teens have experienced tooth decay. Without a school-based fluoride mouthrinse program, these students might never have access to preventive dental services.

Program Effectiveness

• When used consistently, King Fluoride can reduce tooth decay by 20-40%.
  
  
• For every dollar spent on the mouthrinse, $12 less are spent on dental treatment.
  
  
• Less time is taken from school for dental treatment.
  
  
• King Fluoride is a useful educational tool for teaching the general concept of prevention and wellness.

Volunteer Efforts
King Fluoride would not be such a successful program without the assistance of interested and concerned volunteers. Without volunteers, many children would not receive the benefits of King Fluoride at all. Training materials are provided by the Oregon Public Health for all volunteers.