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Fluoride supplement use by children in fluoridated communities
1Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06030, USA.
Journal of Public Health Dentistry
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Many children in fluoridated areas receive inappropriate fluoride supplementation. This study highlights the need for better education on proper fluoride supplement use among health professionals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Optimal community water fluoridation is a cornerstone of dental caries prevention.
- Concerns exist regarding concurrent fluoride supplementation, potentially leading to overexposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of inappropriate fluoride supplementation in children residing in optimally fluoridated communities.
- To identify factors associated with improper fluoride intake from supplements.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study utilizing a written questionnaire to assess fluoride exposure histories.
- Data collected from 575 schoolchildren who lived in fluoridated areas for the first eight years of life.
- Response rate of 89% and reliability of 87% agreement for questionnaire data.
Main Results:
- Over a quarter (26.1%) of subjects exhibited a history of inappropriate fluoride supplementation.
- Inappropriate supplementation occurred in 31.8% of children with fluorosis and 22.8% without.
- Vitamin-fluoride combinations were the most common form of supplementation (71%).
- Continued supplementation after breastfeeding cessation was reported in 68% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Significant rates of inappropriate fluoride supplementation persist even in optimally fluoridated areas.
- Targeted educational interventions for healthcare providers are crucial.
- Improved understanding of fluoride supplement guidelines is needed at school, residency, and practice levels.