Abstract

Data based on a total number of 1,387,027 births were used to compare the incidence of selected congenital malformations in fluoridated areas and that in areas where the water supply is deficient in fluoride.

The incidence of selected congenital malformations in areas with fluoride supplementation of public water supplies was compared with the incidence in areas where the water supply is deficient in fluoride. Comparison of the incidences of several common birth defects (including Down’s syndrome) in fluoridated and nonfluoridated areas revealed no substantial or significant differences in which there was a consistent pattern for both sets of data.