Tooth brushing behaviour in twelve year old children and dental enamel

This paper examines the association between the use of fluoride toothpastes by 12-year-old children and enamel opacities. Some problems inherent in measuring the effect of fluoride toothpaste on developing enamel are discussed. Data are shown that consider the association between tooth brushing behaviour and dental enamel defects in 1,934 children from areas in North Wales with low levels of fluoride in the drinking water (< 0.1 ppm F). Children who brushed more frequently were at greater risk of having diffuse types of enamel opacity present. No associations were identified between the amount of toothpaste used by the 12 year old subjects or the rinsing method used when brushing and enamel opacities.