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Patterns of dietary fluoride supplement use during infancy
S M Levy1, M C Kiritsy, S L Slager
1Department of Preventive and Community Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA. steven-levy@uiowa.edu
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|April 2, 1999
Summary
Infant dietary fluoride supplement use remained consistent, but individual patterns varied. Actual daily fluoride intake was lower than recommended levels, even when accounting for missed doses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Public Health
- Dental Health
Background:
- Dietary fluoride supplements are crucial for preventing early childhood caries.
- Understanding infant fluoride supplement usage patterns is essential for public health recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of dietary fluoride supplement use in infants.
- To analyze the frequency, dosage, and estimated daily intake of fluoride supplements during the first year of life.
Main Methods:
- A birth cohort of 1,072 infants was studied via mail surveys at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
- Data collected included supplement usage, duration, frequency, and dosage.
- Statistical analysis was performed on usage patterns and estimated daily fluoride intake.
Main Results:
- Fluoride supplement use ranged from 12.1% to 16.5% throughout the first year.
- Mean daily fluoride intake, considering missed doses, was consistently below the recommended 0.25 mg/day.
- Infants with more educated parents were more likely to receive fluoride supplements.
Conclusions:
- While average fluoride supplement use was consistent, individual usage varied significantly.
- Actual mean daily fluoride intake was substantially lower than recommended levels.
- Parental education level influenced the likelihood of infants receiving fluoride supplements.