Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2005 Sep;6(3):155-61.

Primary tooth fluorosis in 5-year-old schoolchildren in Ireland

M A Harding  1 , H Whelton, D M O'Mullane, M Cronin, J J Warren
Affiliations
  • PMID: 16216097

Primary tooth fluorosis in 5-year-old schoolchildren in Ireland

M A Harding et al. Eur J Paediatr Dent. 2005 Sep.

Abstract

Aim: This was to determine the prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis in the dentitions of 5-year-old schoolchildren. A subsidiary aim was to investigate whether an association existed between the presence of primary tooth fluorosis, fluoridation status, infant feeding practices or the oral hygiene practices of the child.

Study design: A cross-sectional and stratified by fluoridation status study.

Methods: Fluorosis was recorded using a modification of the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Demographic data, information on infant feeding practices and oral hygiene practices were collected via a parental questionnaire.

Statistics: Stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Results: Fluorosis prevalence in the fluoridated group (n=208) was 32%; 29.3% (n=61) had a modified TSIF score of 1; 2.4% (n=5) had a modified TSIF score of 2; and 1% (n=1) had a modified TSIF score of 5. In the non-fluoridated group (n=86) one child had a modified TSIF score of 1. Primary tooth prevalence of fluorosis in the entire sample (n=294) was 23%. Factors that were associated with primary tooth fluorosis were: fluoridation status (p= 0.0003, 95% CI = 5-281) and the age at which toothbrushing with toothpaste commenced (p = 0.016, 95% C.I. 1.1 - 3.8). No association with infant feeding practices was identified.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis was 23%. Lifetime residence in a fluoridated area and commencement of toothbrushing with toothpaste between 12 and 18 months of age were associated with primary tooth fluorosis. No association with infant feeding practices was identified.

PubMed Disclaimer