Esthetically objectionable fluorosis attributable to water fluoridation.

OBJECTIVE: We compared estimates of fluorosis prevalence and risk attributable to fluoridation using an index applied to the entire dentition and to the maxillary anterior teeth. We also estimated the prevalence of perceived esthetic problems attributable to current fluoridation policy (Attributable Burden). METHODS: Fluorosis prevalence estimates were obtained from the National Survey of Oral Health in US School Children (1986-87) for the 1839 survey children aged 12 -14 years who were scored for fluorosis, had never received fluoride drops or tablets, and had lived in only one home. For each child we calculated Dean's fluorosis index, and an anterior fluorosis index (value of the highest scored maxillary anterior tooth). We used each index to calculate risk of fluorosis attributable to fluoridation by subtracting at each level of severity the prevalence of fluorosis among those living in low fluoride areas (F