Dental Caries, Fluorosis, and Fluoride Exposure in Michigan Schoolchildren

This study relates the prevalence of caries and fluorosis among Michigan children, residing in four different areas, to the various concentrations of F in the communities' water supplies. Demographic information, details of F history, and dental attendance data were collected by a questionnaire form filled out by parents. Children ages six to 12 were screened for caries by means of the NIDR criteria and for fluorosis by means of the TSIF index. Results pertain only to continuous residents and the permanent dentition. The prevalence of both caries and fluorosis was significantly associated with the F concentration in the community water supply. Approximately 65% of all children were caries-free, ranging from 55.1 % in fluoride-deficient Cadillac to 73.7% in Redford (1. 0 ppm F). About 36% of all children had dental fluorosis, ranging from 12.2 in Cadillac to 51.2 in Richmond (1.2 ppm). All of the fluorosis was very mild. From logistic regression, the prevalence of caries was significantly associated with age, dental attendance, and the use of a water supply fluoridated at 1.0 ppm. The odds of experiencing fluorosis increased at every F level above the baseline (Cadillac), with the use of topical F rinses, and with age. Results suggest that children in the four communities may be ingesting a similar level of F from sources such as dentifrices, dietary supplements, and professional applications, but the factor that differentiates them with respect to the prevalence of caries and fluorosis is the F concentration in the community water supply.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66926/2/10.1177_00220345880670050101.pd

Adult Oral Health in New Zealand, 1976: Kelly Extract

This is an extract from a larger survey. The extract was created by Jonathan Kelly. The codebook is for the larger study and is missing sections, however the extract file is defined for each of the variables included. This study description was access from http://www.nzssds.org.nz/aohnz-metadata The objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the standard of oral health, the prevalence of specific oral disease, the results of past dental treatment, and the oral hygiene status of the New Zealand population aged 15 years and over; (2) to determine oral treatment needs; (3) to determine public and professional attitudes and behavioural patterns related to dentistry and oral health, with particular reference to the lifetime preservation of natural teeth. Two surveys were conducted: one of the general public and one of dental practitioners. Variables included in the general population survey were: beliefs about the onset of dental problems, the social stigma attached to various oral conditions and attitudes to use of dental services; beliefs about dentures, dentists’ subsidisation of treatment costs, fluoridation and diet; aspects of personal care, diet and perception of present oral condition; history of contact with the dental system, perceived barriers to use of services and influence of lay or non-professional advisers; details of use of dental services; and advice offered by dentist on oral hygiene and topics of discussion when visiting the dentist. Background variables were respondent’s age, sex, marital status, age and sex of all household members, respondent's ethnic group, skin colour, educational level, occupation, employment status and income. Information was also collected on household composition, household income, spouse’s occupation, and occupation of spouse’s father and of respondent’s father. The dental practitioner survey collected information on: type of practitioner (self-assessment) and extent of special interests; time spent in practice; involvement in continuing education; contact with colleagues; general advice offered by the dentist on the dentist-patient relationship; time spent on different treatment tasks; and attitudes towards the cost of dentistry, prevalence of gingivitis, retention of teeth, auxiliaries, and the undergraduate curriculum. Background characteristics of dentists included age, sex, time in practice and in current practice, and income. Characteristics of practices included type of practice, professional personnel in practice, patient numbers, and source