Trends in dental fluorosis and dental caries prevalences in Newburgh and Kingston, NY

Abstract

A study was undertaken in New York State to determine the changes in dental fluorosis prevalence from 1955 to 1986 in fluoridated Newburgh and non-fluoridated Kingston children. The frequency and severity of dental fluorosis among 884 7-14-year-old children were measured by two dentists utilizing Dean's Index. Data regarding residential and fluoride history were obtained from the parents of participants. Among the Newburgh residents, the prevalence of dental fluorosis (very mild to moderate) varied from a low of 5 per cent for the 9-10-year-old group to a high of 9.4 per cent for 11-12-year-olds. Except for the 13-14-year-old group, children in non-fluoridated Kingston had the lowest dental fluorosis prevalence rates. A comparison of Dean's Community Fluorosis Indices to the 1955 baseline data obtained from studies conducted after 10 years of fluoridation in Newburgh revealed no changes of consequence among Newburgh residents. However, the changes are apparent for Kingston residents, indicating the availability of fluorides in non-fluoridated areas. The increased risk for dental fluorosis for Kingston residents appears to be from the use of fluoride tablets. An analysis of dental caries data revealed that caries prevalence declined substantially in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas.