Several studies indicate that dental fluorosis prevalence has increased over the last 40 years and that the increase is more pronounced in non-fluoridated areas. Dental fluorosis is clearly associated with an excessive intake of fluoride. The contribution of fluoride from multiple sources, and the risks associated with these exposures, have attracted considerable attention. The overall objective of this study is to determine if children in fluoridated and non-fluoridated cities are being exposed to excessive amounts of fluoride as evidenced by an increase in the extent of severity of dental fluorosis. This cross-sectional study will be the fourth in a series of surveys intended to draw inferences about changing patterns of dental fluorosis and dental caries over time in the historical cities of Newburgh and Kingston. Clinical examinations on a sample of 3,000 seven to fourteen year old children in fluoridated Newburgh and 1600 children in non-fluoridated Kingston will be conducted. Data on frequency and severity of dental fluorosis will be collected using Dean's Index. Appropriate comparisons will be made to assess whether the occurrence of fluorosis has increased or decreased when compared to the data obtained in 1986. Trends in dental caries prevalence in Newburgh and Kingston will also be assessed. The association of fluoride tablet/drops history and dental fluorosis will be explored. This study will provide new information regarding the impact of recommendations implemented in recent years to lower fluoride intake from supplements and infant formula. The long-term objective is to conduct follow-up examinations after 36 months for comparing caries incidence rates as well as to detect changes in fluorosis severity within subjects.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DE010888-02
Application #
2131835
Study Section
Oral Biology and Medicine Subcommittee 1 (OBM)
Project Start
1994-02-01
Project End
1999-01-31
Budget Start
1995-02-01
Budget End
1999-01-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
New York State Department of Health
Department
Type
DUNS #
002436061
City
Menands
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
12204
Kumar, J V; Swango, P A (2000) Low birth weight and dental fluorosis: is there an association? J Public Health Dent 60:167-71
Kumar, J; Swango, P; Haley, V et al. (2000) Intra-oral distribution of dental fluorosis in Newburgh and Kingston, New York. J Dent Res 79:1508-13
Kumar, J V; Swango, P A; Opima, P N et al. (2000) Dean's fluorosis index: an assessment of examiner reliability. J Public Health Dent 60:57-9
Kumar, J V; Swango, P A (1999) Fluoride exposure and dental fluorosis in Newburgh and Kingston, New York: policy implications. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 27:171-80
Kumar, J V; Swango, P A; Lininger, L L et al. (1998) Changes in dental fluorosis and dental caries in Newburgh and Kingston, New York. Am J Public Health 88:1866-70