Low birth weight and dental fluorosis: is there an association?
OBJECTIVE
The association between low birth weight and dental fluorosis was explored in a cross-sectional study to explain the higher prevalence of dental fluorosis among African-American children.


METHODS
Birth weight data on 960 children were obtained from the New York State Birth Registry. Data on race, fluoride exposure, sociodemographic characteristics, and dental fluorosis were available from a cross-sectional study conducted in Newburgh and Kingston. Associations among birth weight, race, and fluoride exposure from fluoridated water, regular use of supplements, brushing before the age of 2 years, and subject-level dental fluorosis were explored using logistic regression procedures.


RESULTS
The regression coefficients for the main effects and the two-way interaction effects associated with low birth weight, race, and fluoride exposure were not statistically significant. Even after controlling for low birth weight and fluoride exposure, African-American children had a statistically significant higher odds ratio (OR = 2.0). An analysis of the data limited to mandibular permanent first molars showed similar effects, except for evidence of effect modification in low birth weight children exposed to fluoride supplements.


CONCLUSIONS
Lower birth weight did not explain the higher prevalence of dental fluorosis observed among African-American children.
Kumar
J V
JV
Bureau of Dental Health, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12237-0619, USA. jvk01@health.state.ny.us
Swango
P A
PA
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American; D000367:Age Factors; D001724:Birth Weight; D044383:Black People; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005457:Fluoridation; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016015:Logistic Models; D008963:Molar; D009518:New York; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D014099:Toothbrushing
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides