There is an ongoing debate whether early exposure to fluoride is necessary. The effect of early exposure to fluoride needs to be understood to inform the appropriate population oral health policy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of systemic fluoride intake in early childhood on caries experience of the permanent dentition observed at the age of 8 or 9 years, controlling for the effects of topical exposures to fluoride at the age of 5 years. The fluorosis experience of children was used as a proxy indicator for early exposure to fluoride, while exposures to fluoride at the age of 5 years, which were collected retrospectively, were used to control for the topical effect on permanent caries experience of the same children. Caries experience recorded at 8 or 9 years of age of 571 children was compared between groups with or without fluorosis. Bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis controlling for exposures to fluoride at the age of 5 years and other potential contributory factors were conducted. A quarter of the sample had very mild to mild fluorosis, while 15% had caries experience in the permanent dentition. Multivariate models showed that children who did not have fluorosis had a higher prevalence and severity of caries compared to those with fluorosis after controlling for other factors. In conclusion, there was a significant negative association between fluorosis status and caries experience in the permanent dentition.

Keywords:
Australia, caries, Children, caries, Fluoride, Fluorosis
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel
2009
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.