Primary tooth fluorosis in 5-year-old schoolchildren in Ireland.
OBJECTIVE
This was to determine the prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis in the dentitions of 5-year-old schoolchildren. A subsidiary aim was to investigate whether an association existed between the presence of primary tooth fluorosis, fluoridation status, infant feeding practices or the oral hygiene practices of the child.


METHODS
A cross-sectional and stratified by fluoridation status study.


METHODS
Fluorosis was recorded using a modification of the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Demographic data, information on infant feeding practices and oral hygiene practices were collected via a parental questionnaire.


METHODS
Stepwise logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Fluorosis prevalence in the fluoridated group (n=208) was 32%; 29.3% (n=61) had a modified TSIF score of 1; 2.4% (n=5) had a modified TSIF score of 2; and 1% (n=1) had a modified TSIF score of 5. In the non-fluoridated group (n=86) one child had a modified TSIF score of 1. Primary tooth prevalence of fluorosis in the entire sample (n=294) was 23%. Factors that were associated with primary tooth fluorosis were: fluoridation status (p= 0.0003, 95% CI = 5-281) and the age at which toothbrushing with toothpaste commenced (p = 0.016, 95% C.I. 1.1 - 3.8). No association with infant feeding practices was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis was 23%. Lifetime residence in a fluoridated area and commencement of toothbrushing with toothpaste between 12 and 18 months of age were associated with primary tooth fluorosis. No association with infant feeding practices was identified.
Harding
M A
MA
Oral Health Services Research Centre, Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Wilton Ireland.
Whelton
H
H
O'Mullane
D M
DM
Cronin
M
M
Warren
J J
JJ
D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005457:Fluoridation / Q000009:adverse effects; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014100:Toothpastes
D014100:Toothpastes