A study of developmental defects in enamel in 10-year-old high social class children residing in a non-fluoridated area

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between reported exposure to fluoride in the form of toothpaste and fluoride supplements, the level of observed developmental defects in enamel and the caries experience in a sample of 10-year-old children. Using a modified and simplified version of the developmental defects of enamel index, 300 10-year-old children who had been continually resident in non-fluoridated high social class areas were examined. The examination was followed by a questionnaire to parents on their child's fluoride supplement and toothpaste usage, and toothbrushing habits in early childhood. The prevalence of developmental defects in enamel was lower than that reported elsewhere. A large number of children had diffuse developmental defects but had no history of exposure to fluoride supplements. The only differentiating factor between this group and a similar group with no diffuse defects was in the amount of toothpaste dispensed during toothbrushing prior to the age of six. There was no association between caries experience and the presence or absence of developmental defects. It was concluded that parents of children from a high social class background should supervise the brushing of their children's teeth and use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.