Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The association between low birth weight and dental fluorosis was explored in a cross-sectional study to explain the higher prevalence of dental fluorosis among African-American children.

METHODS: Birth weight data on 960 children were obtained from the New York State Birth Registry. Data on race, fluoride exposure, sociodemographic characteristics, and dental fluorosis were available from a cross-sectional study conducted in Newburgh and Kingston. Associations among birth weight, race, and fluoride exposure from fluoridated water, regular use of supplements, brushing before the age of 2 years, and subject-level dental fluorosis were explored using logistic regression procedures.

RESULTS: The regression coefficients for the main effects and the two-way interaction effects associated with low birth weight, race, and fluoride exposure were not statistically significant. Even after controlling for low birth weight and fluoride exposure, African-American children had a statistically significant higher odds ratio (OR = 2.0). An analysis of the data limited to mandibular permanent first molars showed similar effects, except for evidence of effect modification in low birth weight children exposed to fluoride supplements.

CONCLUSIONS: Lower birth weight did not explain the higher prevalence of dental fluorosis observed among African-American children.

• Related Studies :

  • Relationship between municipal water fluoridation and preterm birth in Upstate New York

    The annual incidence of preterm birth (PTB) (<37 weeks gestation) in the United States is approximately 10% and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Current literature suggests an association between periodontal disease and PTB. Domestic water fluoridation is thought to have lessened the burden of dental disease. Theoretically, one

  • Differences in exposure and biological markers of fluoride among White and African American children

    OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in self-reported fluoride exposure and fluoride exposure biomarkers between two racial groups. METHODS: Questionnaires regarding fluoride exposure, urine and water collection kits were distributed to African American and White 7-14-year-old children. Children received a dental exam for fluorosis. Water, urine, and saliva were analyzed for fluoride content.

  • Fluoride exposure and dental fluorosis in Newburgh and Kingston, New York: policy implications

    OBJECTIVES: This analysis was conducted to determine the changes in the effect of exposure to fluoridation and other sources of fluoride on dental fluorosis in children attending Newburgh and Kingston school districts in New York State. METHODS: Data for this analysis were obtained from two surveys conducted in the 1986 and

  • Prevalence of dental mottling in school-aged lifetime residents of 16 Texas communities

    The severity of dental mottling in 2,592 school-aged, lifetime residents of 16 Texas communities was investigated in 1980-81 to identify factors associated with mottling and to construct a prediction model for the prevalence of mottling. The communities were selected to obtain a wide range of levels of fluoride in the

  • Community water fluoride levels, preschool dietary patterns, and the occurrence of fluoride enamel opacities

    Three hundred seventy-four 12- to 14-year-old children were examined to determine modified tooth surface index of fluorosis (TSIF) scores, and to assess the association among fluoride enamel opacities and water fluoride levels, preschool dietary patterns, and dentifrice consumption. The subjects included boys and girls of both black and white races

• Related FAN Content :

  • Community Fluorosis Index (CFI)

    The current Community Fluorosis Index for U.S. adolescents as a whole (from both fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas) is roughly 5 times higher than the CFI health authorities predicted for fluoridated areas when fluoridation first began. It is also higher than the CFI that the NIDR found in fluoridated areas back in the 1980s. It is readily apparent, therefore, that children are ingesting far more fluoride than was the case in the 1950s, and even as recently as the 1980s.

  • Dental Fluorosis in the U.S. 1950-2004

    Before the widespread use of fluoride in dentistry, dental fluorosis was rarely found in western countries. Today, with virtually every toothpaste now containing fluoride, and most U.S. water supplies containing fluoride chemicals, dental fluorosis rates have reached unprecedented levels. In the 1950s, it was estimated that only 10% of children in

  • Diagnostic Criteria for Dental Fluorosis: The Thylstrup-Fejerskov (TF) Index

    The traditional criteria (the "Dean Index") for diagnosing dental fluorosis was developed in the first half of the 20th century by H. Trendley Dean. While the Dean Index is still widely used in surveys of fluorosis -- including the CDC's national surveys of fluorosis in the United States -- dental

  • Fluoridated Water Causes Severe Dental Fluorosis in Children with Diabetes Insipidus

    This section on Diabetes includes: • Fluoride & Impaired Glucose Tolerance • Fluoride & Insulin • Fluoride Sensitivity Among Diabetics • Fluoridated Water Causes Severe Dental Fluorosis in Children with Diabetes Insipidus • NRC (2006): Fluoride’s Effect on Glucose Metabolism Excessive exposure to fluoride causes a defect of the tooth enamel known as dental fluorosis. In

  • "Mild" Dental Fluorosis: Perceptions & Psychological Impact

    The vast majority of research has found that patients, parents, and the general public alike view mild fluorosis (TF score 3) as a significant blemish of the teeth, one that is likely to embarrass the affected child to a degree that cosmetic treatment would be warranted.