Dental visits and professional fluoride applications for children 72 to 108 months old.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to report patterns of dental visits and fluoride applications longitudinally during ages 7 to 9.


METHODS
A cohort recruited at birth was followed in the Iowa Fluoride Study, with pretested questionnaires-sent to participants at 3- to 6-month intervals--concerning children having a dental (or dental hygiene) appointment or a fluoride application during the period.


RESULTS
The percentages with dental visits were stable during these years (92%-93%), however, the percentages reporting fluoride applications increased from 68% (seventh year) to 74% (ninth year). Among children with complete data for 72 to 108 months of age, 99% visited the dentist and 84% received fluoride applications. Dental visits were significantly more frequent with a higher socioeconomic status, and fluoride applications were significantly more frequent in children with primary dentition caries experience.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of visits and fluoride applications during these years are stable, with most children having at least 1 visit per year.
Hamasha
Abed A
AA
Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. hamasha@just.edu.jo
Levy
Steven M
SM
Warren
John J
JJ
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004245:DMF Index; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005460:Fluorides, Topical / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D007484:Iowa; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D012923:Social Class; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D005460:Fluorides, Topical