The relationship between water fluoridation and socioeconomic deprivation on tooth decay in 5-year-old children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between water fluoridation, socioeconomic deprivation and tooth decay in 5-year-olds.


METHODS
10,004 children: 1,051 in naturally fluoridated Hartlepool in 1991/92, 3,816 in fluoridated Newcastle & North Tyneside and 5,137 in non-fluoridated Salford & Trafford in 1993/94.


METHODS
Correlations between mean electoral ward dmft and ward Townsend Scores from the 1991 census.


RESULTS
Regardless of the level of water fluoridation significant correlations were found between deprivation and tooth decay. Multiple linear regression models for dmft showed a statistically significant interaction between ward Townsend score, and both types of water fluoridation, confirming the more deprived the area the greater the reduction in tooth decay. At a Townsend score of zero (the English average) there was a predicted 43% reduction in decay in 5-year-olds in fluoridated areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Tooth decay is strongly associated with social deprivation. The findings confirm that the implementation of water fluoridation has halved tooth decay in 5-year-old children and that the dental caries divide between rich and poor is reduced.
Jones
C M
CM
Wigan & Bolton Health Authority.
Worthington
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H
D002675:Child, Preschool; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005457:Fluoridation; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors