Fluoride Exposure in Early Life as the Possible Root Cause of Disease In Later Life.

Fluoride, one of the most celebrated ingredients for the prevention of dental caries in the 20th century, has also been controversial for its use in dentifrices and other applications. In the current review, we have concentrated primarily on early-life exposure to fluoride and how it may affect the various organs. The most recent controversial aspects of fluoride are related to toxicity of the developing brain and how it may possibly result in the decrease of intelligence quotient (IQ), autism, and calcification of the pineal gland. In addition, it has been reported to have possible effects on bone and thyroid glands. If nutritional stress is applied during a critical period of growth and development, the organ(s) and/or body will never recover once they pass through the critical period. For example, if animals are force-fed during experiments, they will simply get fat but never reach the normal size. Although early-life fluoride exposure causing fluorosis is well reported in the literature, the dental profession considers it primarily as an esthetic rather than a serious systemic problem. In the current review, we wanted to raise the possibility of future disease as a result of early-life exposure to fluoride. It is not currently known how fluoride will become a cause of future disease. Studies of other nutritional factors have shown that the effects of early nutritional stress are a cause of disease in later life.

Effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid

Summary Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of fluoride on salivary immunoglobulin and sialic acid levels in children with dental fluorosis and healthy teeth who live in places with high fluoride concentration in drinking water. Method: Fifty-one (51) healthy children between 6 and 12 years old with no caries were randomly selected from primary schools enrolled in the dental-care program operated by the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. The children were divided into two groups: group I comprised 26 children with dental fluorosis [Thylstrup-Fejerskov Dental Fluorosis Index (TFI) = 4] who lived in Isparta (2.7-2.8 ppm), and group II consisted of 25 children without dental fluorosis who were born in low-fluoride areas and had lived in Isparta for only the previous two years. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected and analyzed for fluoride, salivary immunoglobulins and sialic acid levels. Results: Sialic acid level was correlated negatively with age. Levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and secretory immunoglobulin G (sIgG) were higher in children with dental fluorosis compared with those in group II, although these differences were not significant. Conclusion: Increased sIgA and sIgG levels may arrest the progression of caries in subjects with dental fluorosis. Given the risks of dental fluorosis, further studies of the effects of different fluoride levels in drinking water on salivary composition of children with mixed dentition are needed to confirm the results of our study and to provide data for comparison.

Consecuencias de la fluoración del agua potable en la salud humana / The impact of tap water fluoridation on human health

The purpose of this review is to describe the osteological, neurological, endocrine and dermatological effects of fluoride ingestion. Additional aims are to evaluate whether the Chilean tap water fluoridation program has had any impact on dental health, and analyze the basis for the Chilean elementary school milk fluoridation program, which is targeted at children living in places where tap water has a fluoride concentration less than 0.3 mg/L, without any artificial fluoridation process. We discuss the finding that both public measures have no direct or remarkable effect on dental health, since topical dental hygiene products are the main and most effective contributors to the prevention of dental decay. We also suggest that the permanent and systematic ingestion of fluorides imposes health risks on the population. Therefore, we recommend reevaluating the national fluoridation program for public tap water and the elementary school milk program.

Evaluation of optimal water fluoridation on the incidence and skeletal distribution of naturally arising osteosarcoma in pet dogs.

Experimental toxicological studies in laboratory animals and epidemiological human studies have reported a possible association between water fluoridation and osteosarcoma (OSA). To further explore this possibility, a case-control study of individual dogs evaluated by the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital was conducted using ecologic data on water fluoridation based on the owner's residence. The case group included 161 dogs with OSA diagnosed between 2008-2012. Two cancer control groups included dogs diagnosed with lymphoma (LSA) or hemangiosarcoma (HSA) during the same period (n = 134 and n = 145, respectively). Dogs with OSA were not significantly more likely to live in an area with optimized fluoride in the water than dogs with LSA or HSA. Additional analyses within OSA patients also revealed no significant differences in age, or skeletal distribution of OSA cases relative to fluoride status. Taken together, these analyses do not support the hypothesis that optimal fluoridation of drinking water contributes to naturally occurring OSA in dogs.

Bioethical considerations about water fluoridation: a critical review / Consideraciones bioéticas de la fluoración del agua: una revisión crítica

Dental caries is one of the oral pathologies with greater burden of disease in the Chilean population. Fluoridation of drinking water has been used as a caries prevention strategy. However, its application as a public policy has been questioned since its implementation. The aim of this article is to analyze whether fluoridation of drinking water is a justified measure in reducing the incidence and prevalence of caries from the perspective of bioethics, taking into account the current evidence on its effectiveness. The arguments reviewed are based on the belief that water fluoridation is effective and, in general terms, ethically acceptable. A recent systematic review concludes that there is not enough evidence to support fluoridation as a public policy. There is a gap of knowledge that ought to be closed so that public health authorities can assess the significance of the intervention and make a democratic decision on its continuation or suspension based on scientific evidence. This decision should be informed and disseminated within the community.

La caries dental constituye una de las patologías orales con mayor carga de enfermedad en población chilena. Una estrategia empleada para prevención de caries ha sido la fluoración del agua potable, cuya aplicación como política pública ha sido cuestionada desde su implementación. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar si la fluoración del agua potable resulta una medida justificada para reducir la incidencia y prevalencia de caries desde la perspectiva de la bioética, teniendo en cuenta la evidencia actual sobre su efectividad. Los argumentos revisados se basan en la convicción de la efectividad de la fluoración del agua, considerando la intervención en términos generales como éticamente aceptable. A la luz de la revisión sistemática publicada recientemente, no existiría evidencia suficiente que avale esta política pública. Actualmente existe una brecha de conocimiento que debiese ser cerrada con la finalidad de que las autoridades de salud pública puedan evaluar la trascendencia de la intervención y tomar una decisión democrática acerca de la continuidad o suspensión de la estrategia preventiva con base científica, informada y socializada con la comunidad.

Fluoride Exposure, Follicle Stimulating Hormone Receptor Gene Polymorphism and Hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian Axis Hormones in Chinese Women.

The effects of fluoride exposure on the functions of reproductive and endocrine systems have attracted widespread attention in academic circle nowadays. However, it is unclear whether the gene-environment interaction may modify the secretion and activity of hypothalamus-pituitary- ovarian (HPO) axis hormones. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the influence of fluoride exposure and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene polymorphism on reproductive hormones in Chinese women. A cross sectional study was conducted in seven villages of Henan Province, China during 2010-2011. A total of 679 women aged 18-48 years were recruited through cluster sampling and divided into three groups, i.e. endemic fluorosis group (EFG), defluoridation project group (DFPG), and control group (CG) based on the local fluoride concentration in drinking water. The serum levels of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2) were determined respectively and the FSHR polymorphism was detected by real time PCR assay. The results provided the preliminary evidence indicating the gene-environment interaction on HPO axis hormones in women.

Community water fluoridation and health outcomes in England: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Six million people in England live in areas where the level of fluoride in water is adjusted to reduce the significant public health burden of dental caries. The dental effects of fluoride are well established, but evidence for suggested adverse health effects is limited, with a lack of rigorous small area population studies that control for confounding. This study aims to test the association between water fluoridation schemes and selected health outcomes using the best available routine data sources. METHODS: Ecological level exposure to fluoridated water was estimated for standard small areas and administrative districts in England using Geographical Information Systems and digitized boundaries based on known patterns of water supply. The association between fluoridation and dental and nondental health indicators was tested using multivariable regression models including ecological level confounding variables. Health indicator data were obtained from routine sources. RESULTS: There was strong evidence of lower prevalence of dental caries (P < 0.001) among children living in fluoridated areas, they also had fewer teeth affected on average (P < 0.001), and lower admission rates for tooth extraction (55% lower; 95% CI-73%, -27%; P = 0.001). There was no strong evidence of an association between fluoridation and hip fracture, Down syndrome, all-cancer, all-cause mortality or osteosarcoma. Fluoridation was negatively associated with the incidence of renal stones (7.9% lower; 95% CI-9.6%,-6.2%; P < 0.001) and bladder cancer (8.0% lower; 95% CI-9.9%,-6.0%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study uses the comprehensive data sets available in England to provide reassurance that fluoridation is a safe and highly effective public health measure to reduce dental decay. Although lower rates of certain nondental outcomes were found in fluoridated areas, the ecological, observational design prohibits any conclusions being drawn regarding a protective role of fluoridation.

Revisión Sistemática sobre los Efectos Adversos de la Fluoración del Agua / Systematic Review of the Adverse Effects of Water Fluoridation

Durante las últimas décadas, una considerable atención científica ha sido puesta en la seguridad de los fluoruros, dada la amplia variedad de fuentes de ingestión a la que la población se encuentra expuesta y los riesgos a la salud de las personas que esto puede acarrear. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si la fluoración del agua a concentraciones de 0,6 a 1 ppm se asocian a una mayor proporción de efectos adversos en la población general al compararlo con concentraciones subóptimas. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCIELO, LILACS, CRD, BBO, PAHO y WHOLIS, limitada desde el 2002 al 2012. Se incluyeron estudios primarios y secundarios en español, inglés y portugués con al menos dos poblaciones comparadas, una con niveles óptimos de flúor en agua (0,6­1 ppm) y otra sin fluoración del agua (<0,3 ppm) o con niveles subóptimos (>0,3 < 0,6 ppm). Dos investigadores de forma independiente realizaron evaluación de la calidad de los artículos seleccionados y que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La búsqueda arrojó 1024 artículos de los cuales 24 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión y 10 fueron incluidos como evidencia. Con excepción de fluorosis dental, no hay asociación entre fluoración del agua con fracturas óseas, cáncer u otro efecto adverso. A pesar de la mayor prevalencia de fluorosis en zonas fluoradas, esta fue principalmente del tipo cuestionable a leve y la proporción de fluorosis con daño estético no difiere significativamente de la presente en zonas sin fluoración del agua.

During the last decades, considerable scientific attention has been paid to the safety of fluoride, given the wide variety of sources of intake at which the population is exposed and the risks to the health of people this may produce. The aim was to determine whether water fluoridation at concentrations from 0.6 to 1 ppm is associated with a higher proportion of adverse effects in the general population when comparing them to suboptimal concentrations. A systematic review was conducted of the literature in MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE, SCIELO, LILACS, CRD, BBO, PAHO and WHOLIS, limited to 2002 to 2012. Included were primary and secondary studies in Spanish, English and Portuguese with at least two compared populations, one with optimal fluoride levels in the water (0.6­1 ppm) and another without water fluoridation (<0.3 ppm) or with suboptimal levels (>0.3 < 0.6ppm). Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of the articles selected and which met the inclusion criteria. The search revealed 1024 articles, of which 24 met the inclusion criteria and 10 were included as evidence. With the exception of dental fluorosis, there is no association between any other adverse effect and water fluoridation. Despite the greater prevalence of fluorosis in fluoride than in non-fluoride zones, this was mainly questionable to slight and the proportion of fluorosis with esthetic damage does not differ significantly from this in zones without water fluoridation.

External control over fluoridation of the public water supply in São Luís, MA, Brazil

Objective:To tomonitor fluoride concentrations in the public water supply of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, from February 2008 to January 2009. Material and Method:Forty sampling points representing 39 neighborhoods of São Luís were conveniently selected. The points were selected based on the sites where the public water supply is provided by the local water supply company and also considering the proximity of elevated water reservoir tanks. The analysis of the fluoride concentration was performed in triplicate using an ion-specific electrode for fluoride connected to a previously calibrated potentiometer. After analysis, the samples were considered adequate when the fluoride concentration was within recommended limits from 0.60 up to 0.80 ppm F (criterion I) or within the stipulated range from 0.55 ppm up to 0.84 ppm F (criterion II). Results:The results showed a large variation between minimum and maximum concentrations. Considering all samples, the average values (± SD) for the municipality was 0.58 ppm F (± 0.24) and median value was 0.61 ppm F, with minimum and maximum value of 0.02 and 1.33 ppm F, respectively. Of the 480 samples, 62.9% was considered inadequate by criterion I, while using criterion II, the percentage was 48.3%. Conclusion:The fluoridation program in São Luís-MA needs improvement. Therefore, surveillance based on external control and operational control becomes essential to ensure that the method is efficient and effective

Is fluoride a risk factor for bone cancer? Small area analysis of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma diagnosed among 0-49-year-olds in Great Britain, 1980-2005.

BACKGROUND: Artificial fluoridation of drinking water to improve dental health has long been a topic of controversy. Opponents of this public health measure have cited the possibility of bone cancer induction. The study objective was to examine whether increased risk of primary bone cancer was associated with living in areas with higher concentrations of fluoride in drinking water. METHODS: Case data on osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma, diagnosed at ages 0-49 years in Great Britain (GB) (defined here as England, Scotland and Wales) during the period 1980-2005, were obtained from population-based cancer registries. Data on fluoride levels in drinking water in England and Wales were accessed through regional water companies and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. Scottish Water provided data for Scotland. Negative binomial regression was used to examine the relationship between incidence rates and level of fluoride in drinking water at small area level. RESULTS: The study analysed 2566 osteosarcoma and 1650 Ewing sarcoma cases. There was no evidence of an association between osteosarcoma risk and fluoride in drinking water [relative risk (RR) per one part per million increase in the level of fluoride = 1·001; 90% confidence interval (CI) 0·871, 1·151] and similarly there was no association for Ewing sarcoma (RR = 0·929; 90% CI 0·773, 1·115). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study provide no evidence that higher levels of fluoride (whether natural or artificial) in drinking water in GB lead to greater risk of either osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma.

Fluorose dentaria em criancas de Sao Paulo, SP, 1998-2010 / Fluorosis dentaria en ninos de Sao Paulo, SP, 1998-2010 / Dental fluorosis in children from Sao Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, 1998-2010

OBJETIVO: Analisar a tendência de prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças de 12 anos em contexto de exposição a múltiplas fontes de flúor. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se análise de tendência da prevalência de fluorose dentária no período de 1998 a 2010 na cidade de São Paulo, SP. As prevalências foram calculadas para diferentes anos (1998, 2002, 2008 e 2010), a partir de dados secundários obtidos em levantamentos epidemiológicos com amostras representativas da população de 12 anos de idade. A ocorrência de fluorose foi avaliada sob luz natural utilizando o índice de Dean, preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde e categorizada em normal, questionável, muito leve, leve, moderada e severa. Em 1998 foram examinadas 125 crianças; 249 em 2002; 4.085 em 2008; e 231 em 2010. RESULTADOS: Em 1998 a prevalência de fluorose foi de 43,8% (IC95%35,6;52,8), em 2002 de 33,7% (IC95% 28,2;39,8), de 40,3% (IC95% 38,8;41,8) em 2008 e de 38,1% (IC95% 32,1;44,5) em 2010. As categorias muito leve + leve registraram 38,4% (IC95%30,3;47,6) em 1998, 32,1% (IC95% 26,6;38,2) em 2002, 38,0% (IC95% 36,5;39,5) em 2008 e 36,4% (IC95%30,4;42,7) em 2010. Não se observou fluorose severa com significância estatística. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de fluorose dentária em crianças paulistanas pode ser classificada como estacionária no período de 1998 a 2010, tanto em geral quanto ao se considerarem apenas as categorias muito leve + leve. .

OBJETIVO: Analizar la tendencia de prevalencia de fluorosis dentaria en niños de 12 años en contexto de exposición a múltiples fuentes de flúor. MÉTODOS: Se realizó análisis de tendencia de la prevalencia de fluorosis dentaria en el período de 1998 a 2010 en la ciudad de Sao Paulo, SP, Brasil. Las prevalencias fueron calculadas para diferentes años (1998, 2002, 2008 y 2010), a partir de datos secundarios obtenidos en pesquisas epidemiológicas con muestras representativas de la población de 12 años de edad. La ocurrencia de fluorosis fue evaluada bajo la luz natural utilizando el índice de Dean, recomendado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud y, categorizada como normal, cuestionable, muy leve, leve, moderada y severa. En 1998 fueron examinadas 125 niños; 249 en 2002; 4.085 en 2008 y 231 en 2010. RESULTADOS: En 1998 la prevalencia de fluorosis fue de 43,8% (IC95%35,6;52,8), en 2002 de 33,7% (IC95% 28,2;39,8), de 40,3% (IC95% 38,8;41,8) en 2008 y de 38,1% (IC95% 32,1;44,5), en 2010. Las categorías muy leve+leve registraron 38,4% (IC95%30,3;47,6) en 1998, 32,1% (IC95% 26,6;38,2) en 2002, 38,0% (IC95% 36,5;39,5) en 2008 y 36,4% (IC95%30,4;42,7) en 2010. No se observo fluorosis severa con significancia estadística. CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia de fluorosis dentaria en niños paulistanos pudo ser clasificada como estacionaria en el período de 1998 a 2010, tanto en general como al considerar sólo las categorías muy leve+leve. .

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend of dental fluorosis prevalence in 12-year-old children, in the context of exposure to multiple sources of fluoride. METHODS: An analysis was carried out of the trends in prevalence of dental fluorosis in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, between 1998 and 2010. The rates of prevalence were calculated for different years (1998, 2002, 2008 and 2010) using secondary data obtained from epidemiological surveys of representative samples of 12-year-old children. Occurrence of fluorosis was assessed in natural light using the Dean index, recommended by the World Health Organization and categorized into normal, questionable, very mild, mild, moderate and severe. In 1998, 125 children were examined, 249 in 2002, 4,085 in 2008 and 231 in 2010. RESULTS: In 1998 the prevalence of fluorosis was 43.8% (95%CI 35.6;52.8) in 2002 it was 33.7% (95%CI 28.2;39.8), it was 40.3% (95%CI 38.8;41.8) in 2008 and 38.1% (95%CI 32.1;44.5) in 2010.The categories very mild + mild totaled 38.4% (95%CI 30.3;47.6) in 1998, 32.1% (95%CI 26.6;38.2) in 2002, 38.0% (95%CI 36.5;39.5) in 2008 and 36.4% (95%CI 30.4;42.7) in 2010. Severe fluorosis was not observed, with statistical significance, in the analyzed period. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dental fluorosis in children from São Paulo can be classified as stationary between 1998 and 2010, both when considering all categories, and when considering only the categories very mild + mild. .

Fluoride in drinking water and osteosarcoma incidence rates in the continental United States among children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: It has been suggested that fluoride in drinking water may increase the risk of osteosarcoma in children and adolescents, although the evidence is inconclusive. We investigated the association between community water fluoridation (CWF) and osteosarcoma in childhood and adolescence in the continental U.S. METHODS: We used the cumulative osteosarcoma incidence rate data from the CDC Wonder database for 1999-2006, categorized by age group, sex and states. States were categorized as low (≤30%) or high (≥85%) according to the percentage of the population receiving CWF between 1992 and 2006. Confidence intervals for the incidence rates were calculated using the Gamma distribution and the incidence rates were compared between groups using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: We found no sex-specific statistical differences in the national incidence rates in the younger groups (5-9, 10-14), although 15-19 males were at higher risk to osteosarcoma than females in the same age group (p<0.001). Sex and age group specific incidence rates were similar in both CWF state categories. The higher incidence rates among 15-19 year old males vs females was not associated with the state fluoridation status. We also compared sex and age specific osteosarcoma incidence rates cumulated from 1973 to 2007 from the SEER 9 Cancer Registries for single age groups from 5 to 19. There were no statistical differences between sexes for 5-14 year old children although incidence rates for single age groups for 15-19 year old males were significantly higher than for females. CONCLUSION: Our ecological analysis suggests that the water fluoridation status in the continental U.S. has no influence on osteosarcoma incidence rates during childhood and adolescence.

Qualidade da água para consumo humano e concentração de fluoreto / Drinking water quality and fluoride concentration / Calidad del agua para consumo humano y concentración de fluoruro

O artigo visa analisar a concentração de fluoreto na água para consumo humano, considerando o balanço entre benefícios e riscos à saúde, e produzir subsídios para atualização da legislação brasileira. Estudos de revisão sistemática, documentos oficiais e dados meteorológicos foram examinados. As temperaturas nas capitais brasileiras indicam que o fluoreto deveria variar de 0,6 a 0,9 mg/L para prevenir cárie dentária. Concentração de fluoreto natural de 1,5 mg/L é tolerável para consumo no Brasil se não houver tecnologia de custo-benefício aceitável para ajuste/remoção do seu excesso. A ingestão diária de água com fluoreto em concentração > 0,9 mg/L representa risco à dentição em menores de oito anos de idade e os consumidores deveriam ser expressamente informados desse risco. Considerando a expansão do programa nacional de fluoretação da água para regiões de clima tipicamente tropical, deve-se revisar a Portaria 635/75, relacionada ao fluoreto adicionado às águas de abastecimento público.

This paper aimed to analyze the fluoride concentration in drinking water, taking into account the balance between the benefits and risks to health, in order to produce scientific backing for the updating of the Brazilian legislation. Systematic reviews studies, official documents and meteorological data were examined. The temperatures in Brazilian state capitals indicate that fluoride levels should be between 0.6 and 0.9 mg F/l in order to prevent dental caries. Natural fluoride concentration of 1.5 mg F/l is tolerated for consumption in Brazil if there is no technology with an acceptable cost-benefit ratio for adjusting/removing the excess. Daily intake of water with a fluoride concentration > 0.9 mg F/l presents a risk to the dentition among children under the age of eight years, and consumers should be explicitly informed of this risk. In view of the expansion of the Brazilian water fluoridation program to regions with a typically tropical climate, Ordinance 635/75 relating to fluoride added to the public water supply should be revised.

El artículo busca analizar la concentración de fluoruro en el agua para consumo humano considerando el balance entre beneficios y riesgos a la salud y producir subsidios para actualización de la legislación brasileña. Estudios de revisión sistemática, documentos oficiales y datos meteorológicos fueron examinados. Las temperaturas en las capitales brasileñas indican que el fluoruro debería variar de 0,6 a 0,9 mg/L para prevenir caries dentaria. Concentración de fluoruro natural de 1,5 mg/L es tolerable para consumo en Brasil si no hay tecnología de costo-beneficio aceptable para ajuste/remoción de su exceso. La ingestión diaria de agua con fluoruro en concentración > 0,9mg/L representa riesgo para la dentición en menores de ocho años de edad y los consumidores deberían ser expresamente informados de este riesgo. Considerando la expansión del programa nacional de fluorificación del agua para regiones de clima típicamente tropical se debe revisar el Documento Público 635/75, relacionado con el fluoruro adicionado a las aguas de abastecimiento público.

Drinking water fluoridation and osteosarcoma incidence on the island of Ireland.

The incidence of osteosarcoma in Northern Ireland was compared with that in the Republic of Ireland to establish if differences in incidence between the two regions could be related to their different drinking water fluoridation policies. Data from the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry (NICR) and the National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) on osteosarcoma incidence in the respective populations were used to estimate the age-standardised and age-specific incidence rates in areas with and without drinking water fluoridation. One hundred and eighty-three osteosarcoma cases were recorded on the island of Ireland between 1994 and 2006. No significant differences were observed between fluoridated and non-fluoridated areas in either age-specific or age-standardised incidence rates of osteosarcoma. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that osteosarcoma incidence in the island of Ireland is significantly related to public water fluoridation. However, this conclusion must be qualified, in view of the relative rarity of the cancer and the correspondingly wide confidence intervals of the relative risk estimates.

A comparative analysis of caries and fluorosis among cities with and without public water supply fluoridation in São Paulo State, Brazil / Análise comparativa de cárie e fluorose entre municípios paulistas com e sem fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público

Purpose: This population-based, cross-sectional study aimed to record the DMFT index for 12 year-old children with dental caries and fluorosis levels in cities with and without public water supply fluoridation. Methods: From the 101 municipalities belonging to the Health Regional Department XV (DRS-XV-SJRP) of the São Paulo state in the Southeast region of Brazil, 85 cities were selected after exclusion of those with incomplete data and less than ten years of fluoridation treatment in 2004. The criteria adopted for the assessment of dental caries and fluorosis levels were based on the guidelines published in the WHO Manual 4th edition. The data were analyzed using Fisher exact tests at a significance level of 5%. Results: The prevalence of caries in 12 year-old children had no significant association with fluoridated water, and was considered moderate and high in cities without fluoridation and low and moderate in cities with fluoridation. A significant association was found between water fluoridation and fluorosis (P=0.001), but not between water fluoridation and the DMFT index (P=0.119). Conclusion: The prevalence of fluorosis was related to water fluoridation in this study. However, fluorosis was also observed in non-fluoridated cities, which may result from fluoride intake through other sources.

Objetivo: Este estudo transversal, de base populacional, teve por objetivo medir os índices CPO-D aos 12 anos e de fluorose em municípios com e sem fluoretação da água de abastecimento público. Metodologia: De 101 municípios pertencentes à Divisão Regional de Saúde XV - São José do Rio Preto (DRS-XV), Estado de São Paulo, na região Sudeste do Brasil, foram selecionados 85 municípios, sendo excluídos os aqueles que apresentaram dados incompletos e que possuíam menos de dez anos de fluoretação em 2004. Os critérios adotados para avaliação de cárie e fluorose foram baseados no manual da OMS 4ª edição. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística através do teste Exato de Fisher, ao nível de significância 5%. Resultados: A prevalência de cárie aos 12 anos não teve associação significativa com a água fluoretada e foi considerada moderada e alta em municípios sem fluoretação e baixa e moderada nos municípios com fluoretação. A água fluoretada teve associação significativa com fluorose (P=0,001) mas não com o índice CPO-D (P=0,119). Conclusão: Houve associação entre prevalência de fluorose e água fluoretada, mas a fluorose também foi observada em municípios sem fluoretação, possivelmente pelo flúor existente nas diversas fontes de ingestão.

Factors associated with dental fluorosis / Fatores associados à fluorose dentária

Purpose: To assess the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and its associated factors in teenagers attending schools with oral health programs. Methods: The sample consisted of 535 students (12- and 15-19-year-olds) living in a city in the Southern Region of Brazil. For data collection, clinical examinations were performed using the Dean´s index. Exploratory data on demographics, socioeconomic conditions, access to dental service and hygiene habits were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 25% in this sample, and a very low level of fluorosis was the most frequent category found (18.3%). Fluorosis was associated with female gender (OR=1.55; CI95%1.03-2.32). Drinking water from an artesian well or bottled water was protective against fluorosis (OR=0.51; CI95% 0.27-0.95). Conclusion: The prevalence of dental fluorosis in this sample of students was high, but the fluorosis was of low severity. The type of drinking water and gender were shown to be determinant factors of fluorosis in the tested model.

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e a severidade da fluorose dentária e verificar os fatores associados em adolescentes de escolas com atividades coletivas de promoção em saúde bucal. Metodologia: A amostra foi composta de 535 escolares de 12 e 15-19 anos moradores de um município da Região Sul do Brasil. Para a coleta de dados foram realizados exames clínicos utilizando o índice de Dean. As variáveis exploratórias demográficas, socioeconômicas, de acesso a serviços odontológicos e de hábitos de higiene bucal foram coletadas utilizando-se um questionário semi-estruturado. Os dados foram analisados por análise de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: A prevalência de fluorose dentária foi de 25%, sendo que o grau predominante foi o muito leve (18,3%). A fluorose foi associada ao sexo feminino (OR=1,55; IC95%1,03-2,32). Beber água de poço artesiano ou engarrafada foi um fator de proteção para fluorose no grupo de escolares investigado (OR=0,51; IC95% 0,27-0,95). Conclusão: A prevalência de fluorose dentária nos escolares desta amostra foi elevada, porém sua severidade foi baixa. A água ingerida e o sexo foram associados à fluorose dentária no modelo testado.

Prevalência de fluorose dentária em escolares de 12 anos de idade em Sete Lagoas (MG), no ano de 2010

Apesar de, ainda hoje, a cárie dentária ser considerada no Brasil o principal problema de saúde bucal, o declínio em sua prevalência e severidade faz com que a odontologia volte sua atenção para outros problemas como a fluorose dentária...

Influência da água de abastecimento público fluoretada na prevalência de cárie dos molares decíduos em un município de Minas Gerais

A incorporação do flúor na água de abastecimento de muitas cidades brasileiras tem se mostrado um método realmente eficaz para controle da cárie dentária. O custo é baixo e é um método seguro, apresentando risco previsível e controlável, em relação à fluorose dental ou qualquer intoxicação, quando utilizada a dose adequada...

Is there a need of extra fluoride in children?

The issues related to fluoridation of water or fortification of tooth paste with compounds of fluorides are controversial. Fluoride is stored mainly in the bones, where it increases the density and changes the internal architecture, makes it osteoporotic and more prone to fractures. Fluoride consumption by human beings increases the general cancer death rate, disrupts the synthesis of collagen and leads to the breakdown of collagen in bone, tendon, muscle, skin, cartilage, lungs, kidney and trachea, causing disruptive effect on various tissues in the body. It inhibits antibody formation, disturbs immune system and makes the child prone to malignancy. Fluoride has been categorized as a protoplasmic poison and any additional ingestion of fluoride by children is undesirable.

Perdas dentárias em adolescentes brasileiros e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional / Perdidas dentarias en adolescentes brasileros y factores asociados: estudio de base poblacional / Tooth loss and associated factors in adolescents: a Brazilian population-based oral health survey

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência das perdas dentárias em adolescentes brasileiros e os fatores a elas associados. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de 16.833 participantes do estudo epidemiológico nacional de saúde bucal, realizado em 2002/2003. O desfecho investigado foi a ocorrência de perda de pelo menos um dente. As variáveis independentes incluíram localização geográfica de residência, sexo, cor de pele, idade, renda per capita, atraso escolar, tipo de serviço e residência em município com fluoretação das águas de abastecimento. Foram estimadas razões de prevalência brutas e ajustadas por meio da regressão de Poisson para cada macrorregião e para o País como um todo. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de pelo menos uma perda dentária foi de 38,9 por cento (IC 95 por cento: 38,2 por cento; 39,7 por cento). Os adolescentes residentes em locais não servidos por água fluoretada apresentaram prevalência de perdas dentárias 40 por cento maior do que os residentes em áreas com disponibilidade dessa medida. Houve forte associação (p<0,01) entre a ausência da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento e as perdas dentárias para a região Nordeste. Para as demais regiões a associação das perdas com fluoretação de águas foi confundida pelas variáveis mais distais, notadamente as socioeconômicas, reforçando as características de desigualdades regionais. CONCLUSÕES: A alta prevalência de perdas dentárias em adolescentes confirma a necessidade de haver prioridade para atendimento desse grupo pelos serviços odontológicos, considerando medidas preventivas em idades mais precoces, de recuperação dos danos instalados e acesso universal à água fluoretada.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate tooth loss among adolescents and its factors associated. METHODS: Data from 16,833 participants of the Brazilian Oral Health Survey 2002-2003 were analyzed. The outcome studied was tooth loss of at least one tooth. Independent variables included geographical localization, gender, skin color, per capita income, education gap, dental service utilization and fluoridated water supply at the local level. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using Poisson regression for each Brazilian macroregion and nationwide. RESULTS: The prevalence of at least one tooth loss was 38.9 percent (95 percent CI 38.2 percent;39.7 percent). Adolescents living in localities with non-fluoridated water supply were 40 percent more likely to have tooth loss compared with those living in areas with fluoridated water supply. There was seen a strong association (p<0.01) between non-fluoridated water supply and tooth loss prevalence in the Northeast. In other Brazilian regions this association was confounded for distal variables, mainly socioeconomic variables, reinforcing regional inequalities. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of tooth loss among Brazilian adolescents shows a need for targeted dental actions including prevention at earlier ages, treatment of affected teeth and universal access to fluoridated water.

OBJETIVO: Estimar la prevalencia de las perdidas dentarias en adolescentes brasileros y los factores asociados a ellas. MÉTODOS: Fueron analizados datos de 16.833 participantes del estudio epidemiológico nacional de salud bucal, realizado en 2002/2003. El hecho investigado fue la ocurrencia de pérdida de por lo menos un diente. Las variables independientes incluyeron localización geográfica de residencia, sexo, color de piel, edad, renta per capita, atraso escolar, tipo de servicio y residencia en municipio con fluorificación de las aguas de abastecimiento. Fueron estimadas las tasas de prevalencia brutas y ajustadas por medio de la regresión de Poisson para cada macro región y para Brasil como un todo. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de por lo menos una pérdida dentaria fue de 38,9 por ciento (IC 95 por ciento: 38,2 por ciento; 39,7 por ciento). Los adolescentes residentes en locales no servidos por agua fluorificada presentaron prevalencia de pérdida dentaria 40 por ciento mayor que los residentes en áreas con disponibilidad de esa medida. Hubo fuerte asociación (p<0,01) entre la ausencia de fluorificación de las aguas de abastecimiento y las pérdidas dentarias para la región Noroeste. Para las demás regiones la asociación de las pérdidas con fluorificación de aguas fue confundida por las variables más distantes, notoriamente las socioeconómicas, reforzando las características de desigualdades regionales. CONCLUSIONES: Las altas prevalencias de pérdidas dentarias en adolescentes confirma la necesidad de existir prioridad para atención de ese grupo por los servicios odontológicos, considerando medidas preventivas en edades más precoces, de recuperación de los daños instalados y acceso universal al agua fluorificada.