Fluorosis risk in grade 2 students residing in a rural area with widely varying natural fluoride

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 1999 Apr;27(2):130-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.1999.tb02002.x.

Abstract

Objectives: This pilot study was performed to determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis and the association between fluorosis and a number of risk factors in a group of second grade students in a rural, non-fluoridated area of Ontario, Canada.

Methods: Of 1739 students screened during routine health surveillance, 1367 had erupted maxillary central incisors. Fluorosis was scored on these children using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). A fluoride exposure questionnaire and water sample vial was sent home from school with each child.

Results: Valid responses were obtained for 752 children (55%). The prevalence of fluorosis in respondents was 23.3%, with 4.9% scoring TSIF of 2 or more. In bivariate analysis, several variables were significantly associated with the prevalence and/or severity of fluorosis. These included: water fluoride concentration, breast-feeding duration, professionally applied topical fluoride, fluoride supplement use, bottle-feeding, fluoridated mouthwash use, and early parental toothbrushing with toothpaste. In logistic regression analysis limited to children living at the current residence for 4 years or more, only four variables had significant independent effects. These were water fluoride concentration, breast-feeding duration, fluoride supplement use, and fluoridated mouthwash use.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that fluorosis is an important concern in non-fluoridated areas. Fluoride supplements should not be recommended unless an independent home water test is performed. Breast-feeding for 6 months or more may protect children from developing dental fluorosis in the permanent incisors.

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Bottle Feeding / adverse effects
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data
  • Cariostatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Child
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Fluoridation / adverse effects
  • Fluorides / adverse effects*
  • Fluorosis, Dental / epidemiology*
  • Fluorosis, Dental / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incisor
  • Logistic Models
  • Mouthwashes / adverse effects
  • Ontario / epidemiology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Health
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Substances

  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Mouthwashes
  • Fluorides