Fluoride intake and prevalence of dental fluorosis: trends in fluoride intake with special attention to infants.
BACKGROUND
Although the predominant beneficial effect of fluoride occurs locally in the mouth, the adverse effect, dental fluorosis, occurs by the systemic route. The caries attack rate in industrialized countries, including the United States and Canada, has decreased dramatically over the past 40 years. However, the prevalence of dental fluorosis in the United States has increased during the last 30 years both in communities with fluoridated water and in communities with nonfluoridated water. Dental fluorosis is closely associated with fluoride intake during the period of tooth development.


METHODS
We reviewed the major changes in infant feeding practices that have occurred since 1930 and the changes in fluoride intakes by infants and young children associated with changes in feeding practices.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on this review, we conclude that fluoride intakes of infants and children have shown a rather steady increase since 1930, are likely to continue to increase, and will be associated with further increase in the prevalence of enamel fluorosis unless intervention measures are instituted.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe the most important measures that should be undertaken are (1) use, when feasible, of water low in fluoride for dilution of infant formulas; (2) adult supervision of toothbrushing by children younger than 5 years of age; and (3) changes in recommendations for administration of fluoride supplements so that such supplements are not given to infants and more stringent criteria are applied for administration to children.
Fomon
S J
SJ
Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1083, USA. samfomon@aol.com
Ekstrand
J
J
Ziegler
E E
EE
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control; D019049:Developed Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004032:Diet; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000187:drug effects; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D015995:Prevalence; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005459:Fluorides