Fluoride dentifrice ingestion and fluorosis of the permanent incisors.
BACKGROUND
Fluoride dentifrice is a primary means of preventing childhood caries, but it is also an important risk factor for fluorosis. The authors examine the influence of fluoride dentifrice ingestion on fluorosis of the permanent incisors.


METHODS
Participants in the Iowa Fluoride Study received questionnaires at regular intervals concerning fluoride sources. The authors assessed fluorosis using the fluorosis risk index. They estimated daily fluoride ingestion from dentifrice, diet and fluoride supplements and divided the amount by kilograms of body weight. The statistical analysis related fluoride ingestion to fluorosis in the permanent incisors.


RESULTS
In bivariate analyses, mild fluorosis was significantly related to ingestion of fluoride dentifrice at ages 24 and 36 months (P = .02 for both). After the authors adjusted for fluoride ingested from dietary sources, logistic regression showed a significant association between fluorosis and dentifrice ingestion at age 24 months (P = .04).


CONCLUSIONS
The study results suggest that fluorosis of the permanent incisors is influenced by ingestion of fluoride dentifrice during the first three years of life. Further research is needed to assess total intake of fluoride as a risk factor for fluorosis.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support recommendations that young children use only a pea-sized amount of dentifrice. Parents should supervise young children as they brush their teeth with fluoride dentifrice.
Franzman
Michael R
MR
Department of Periodontics, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Levy
Steven M
SM
Warren
John J
JJ
Broffitt
Barbara
B
D000367:Age Factors; D001835:Body Weight; D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003679:Deglutition; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000187:drug effects*; D007223:Infant; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012923:Social Class
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D003802:Dentifrices; D005459:Fluorides