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Abstract
The aim of the study was to ascertain whether substitution of sucrose in candy by Lycasin can influence the incidence of dental caries in a group of children. The caries increment in the primary dentition in three to six year old children using Lycasin candy as a substitute for conventional candy was observed for 1½ to 2½ years. Initially 225 children took part in the study, which started with a 6-month observation period. For various reasons many of the children dropped out, especially in the Lycasin group. Of the children, 173 were observed for one year and 113 for two years. A coupon system showed that the substitution in the Lycasin group had been only partial. Statistical analysis of the findings, which included the ordinary t-test between the Lycasin group and the contrast group as well as an intraindividual comparison between the observation period and the substitution period, showed a tendency towards a difference in caries increment between the Lycasin group and the control group and the presubstitution and the substitution periods, respectively. Thus, a reduction in dental caries increment (d.m.f.s. and d.m.f.t.) of about 25 per cent was probable.