Abstract
Aim.: To investigate the prevalence of dental fluorosis in children who had participated in an oral health programme between the ages 2-5 years, including fluoride tablets from the age of 2 years. Design.: The study group consisted of 135 10- to 11-year-old children who had participated in the programme, including parent education, tooth-brushing instruction and prescribed fluoride tablets (0.25 mg NaF) (2-3 years: 1 tablet/day; 3-5 years: 2 tablets/day). The prevalence of dental fluorosis in the study group was compared with that in a nonintervention reference group consisting of 129 children of the same ages. The analysis was based on photos of the permanent maxillary front teeth using the Thylstrup & Fejerskov (TF) Index. Results.: No statistically significant difference in prevalence of dental fluorosis was seen between the two groups. Forty-three percent of the children in the study group and 38% in the reference group had fluorosis, the majority of a mild nature (TF-score 1). None had a TF score above 2. The pattern was the same after correction for parent reported intake of tablets at 3 and 5 years of age. Conclusion.: Introduction of fluoride tablets at the age of 2 years did not result in increased prevalence of dental fluorosis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry Online |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Pages (from-to) | 347-52 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISSN | 1365-263X |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Sept 2010 |
Keywords
- Cariostatic Agents
- Case-Control Studies
- Chi-Square Distribution
- Child
- Dietary Supplements
- Fluorides
- Fluorosis, Dental
- Government Programs
- Humans
- Photography, Dental
- Prevalence
- Public Health Dentistry
- Sweden
- Tablets
