Fluoride Exposure in Michigan Schoolchildren

Recent trends in the prevalence of dental caries in children, as well as a possible increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis, have prompted some researchers to suggest the reassessment of water fluoride concentration standards. Instead of reducing water fluoride concentrations, an alternative approach would be to limit the use of, or reduce the fluoride concentration of, dentifrices, mouthrinses, and supplements. Information about the use of these other sources of fluoride, however, is scarce. Using data from a 1987 survey of Michigan schoolchildren, exposure to selected fluoride sources as well as tooth brushing habits are described. Responses from questionnaires revealed that, overall, 98.5 percent of the children have used fluoride dentifrices, 27 percent have used topical fluoride rinses, 72.5 percent have had at least one exposure to professionally applied topical fluoride, and 27percent have used dietary fluoride supplements. Although the use of fluoride dietary supplements was appropriate for most children residing in fluoride-deficient Cadillac, the percentages of children in the other communities who have ingested these supplements suggest that these products are being prescribed improperly. Given the almost universal use of fluoride dentifrices at an early age, it may be time to investigate the use of reduced fluoride dentifrices for children. In addition, continuing efforts to decrease inappropriate dietary fluoride supplementation are required.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65672/1/j.1752-7325.1990.tb03552.x.pd

Trends in the Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in the United States: A Review

This paper assesses, by comparing recent published evidence with Dean's pioneering work, whether an increase in the milder forms of dental fluorosis may have occurred since Dean's time. To the extent that the crude comparisons of recent research with historic studies are valid, the data indicate a slight trend toward more fluorosis today than would be expected based upon findings in the late 1930s and early 1940s. This suggested increase in fluorosis is not as clear-cut nor as widely accepted as the recent decline in the prevalence of dental caries. Thus, further study of the prevalence of fluorosis and caries in relation to fluoride ingestion will be required to help validate the trend, and to allow dental researchers and decision makers to plan for the future.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66368/1/j.1752-7325.1987.tb01980.x.pd