Enamel mineralization disturbances in 12-year-old children with known early exposure to fluorides

Enamel changes and caries experience were studied in 134 12-year-old children with a known early exposure to fluoride tablets and/or fluoride containing toothpaste. The influence of birth weight and breast-feeding period was also analyzed. A clinical intact enamel was found in 32% of the children. Enamel fluorosis was found in 45% and localized opacities or hypoplasias in 40%. Children who had consumed fluoride tablets for a period of at least 12 months from the age of 6 months ran a 5.4 times greater risk of developing enamel fluorosis than children with no such consumption. No such risk could be shown in children who at 6 or 12 months of age started to use fluoride toothpaste. There was no statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of smooth surface caries or fillings in children with an exposure to fluoride tablets.