Assessment of Dental Fluorosis in Relation to the Dosage of Dietary FluorideSupplements Used

摘要

Several recent reports have shown an increase in dental fluorosis in children influoridated and especially, fluoride-deficient communities. Although several possible causes have been explored, use of dietary fluoride supplements is the variable most often significantly associated with this phenomenon. The objectives of the study were to (1) assess the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in early erupting permanent teeth in a test group (exposed to dietary fluoride supplements) and a control group (not exposed) of school-age children in fluoride-deficient communities; and (2) assess the relation of dietary fluoride supplementation taken according to the currently recommended ADA dosage schedule to the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in the study groups. The study population was made up of 572 in the test group and 564 in the control group. The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis (using the TSIF) in the test group was 54%, compared to 27% in the control group. In lower anterior teeth, test subjects were 4-8 times as likely to show dental fluorosis. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between level of compliance with the supplement regimen and the severity of dental fluorosis in the test group during the third year of life. This finding supports a recent Canadian recommendation of not beginning dietary fluoride supplementation until the third birthday.