Development of a standardized method for comparing fluoride ingested from toothpaste by 1.5-3.5-year-old children in seven European countries. Part 2: Ingestion results.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a standardized method for measuring the variables affecting fluoride ingestion from toothpaste in young children between the ages of 1.5 and 3.5 years, and to use the method at seven European sites.


METHODS
Random samples of children were invited to take part in the study. Parents who gave consent were visited at home. The children brushed their teeth using the toothpaste brand and toothbrush type currently in use. The difference between the fluoride dispensed onto the toothbrush and the fluoride recovered after accounting for losses was deemed to be the fluoride ingested. Details of other oral health-care habits were collected by questionnaire. For each child, the fluoride concentration of the toothpaste used was measured in the laboratory, from which an estimate of total daily fluoride ingestion was made.


RESULTS
There was considerable variation between countries in the types of toothpaste used and in the amounts of toothpaste applied and ingested. The amount of fluoride ingested ranged from 0.01 to 0.04 mg fluoride per kg of body weight per day.


CONCLUSIONS
The amount of fluoride ingested that is likely to be a risk factor for the development of dental fluorosis during tooth formation is equivocal and was found to vary widely between European countries. There appears to be a need for clearer health messages regarding the use of fluoridated toothpaste by young children.
Cochran
Judith A
JA
Oral Health Services Research Centre, University College Cork, Ireland.
Ketley
Clare E
CE
Duckworth
Ralph M
RM
van Loveren
Cor
C
Holbrook
W Peter
WP
Seppä
Liisa
L
Sanches
Leonor
L
Polychronopoulou
Argy
A
O'Mullane
Denis M
DM
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001835:Body Weight; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003625:Data Collection / Q000592:standards; D004739:England; D005387:Finland; D005459:Fluorides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland; D007223:Infant; D007494:Ireland; D009426:Netherlands; D011174:Portugal; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014100:Toothpastes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D005459:Fluorides