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Dental fluorosis decline after changes to supplement and toothpaste regimens
1Perth Dental Hospital & Community Dental Services, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. riordan@q-net.net.au
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|May 10, 2002
Summary
Dental fluorosis prevalence decreased in Western Australian children following interventions to reduce fluoride supplement and toothpaste ingestion. Dental caries experience remained stable, indicating successful public health efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Dental fluorosis and caries are significant pediatric oral health concerns.
- Previous studies identified fluoride supplements and toothpaste ingestion as risk factors for dental fluorosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a public health campaign on dental fluorosis and caries prevalence in children.
- To assess changes in fluoride intake behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving dental examinations of 582 10-year-olds in Perth and Bunbury, Western Australia.
- Assessment of dental fluorosis using the TF index and dental caries using the DMFT index.
- Comparison of data with a previous study from 1989/90.
Main Results:
- Fluorosis prevalence decreased from 40.2% (Perth) and 33.0% (Bunbury) in 1989/90 to 22.2% (Perth) and 10.8% (Bunbury) in 2000.
- Significant reduction in the use of fluoride supplements before age 4.
- Introduction and use of low-fluoride toothpaste by 24.5% of children.
- Mean DMFT values remained low and stable (0.32 in Perth, 0.28 in Bunbury).
Conclusions:
- The public health campaign appears effective in reducing dental fluorosis by decreasing discretionary fluoride intake.
- No adverse effect on dental caries experience was observed.
- Further improvements in fluorosis are anticipated as teeth mineralized after policy changes become visible.