Association between fluoride intake from drinking water and severity of dental fluorosis in Northern and Western Mexico: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Dental fluorosis (DF) is caused by excessive exposure to fluoride during odontogenesis and leads to various changes in the development of tooth enamel. Some regions in Mexico are considered endemic fluorosis zones due to the high fluoride content in drinking water. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify the association between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and the severity of dental fluorosis in northern and western Mexico. METHODS: This protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (ID: CRD42023401519). The search for information was carried out in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar databases between January 2015 and October 2023. The overall relative risk was calculated using the inverse of variance approach with the random effects method. The RoB 2.0 tool was used to construct risk plots. RESULTS: Eleven articles were analyzed qualitatively, and most of the included studies presented at least one level of DF severity; six articles were analyzed quantitatively, dividing them into two regions. In North region it was observed a higher prevalence of severe TF cases, corresponding to ≥ TF 5 category (4.78) [3.55, 6.42]. In the West region, most of the included studies presented a higher prevalence of less severe cases, corresponding to ≤ TF 4, in comparison with the North region (0.01) [0.00, 0.52], interpreted as a protective effect. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of fluorides in drinking water are reportedly high in these regions and are directly related to the severity of dental fluorosis experienced by the inhabitants. In the Northern region exists a major concentration of fluoride in drinking water compared with the Western region as well as a prevalence of higher severity cases of dental fluorosis.

Fluoride and children's IQ: evidence of causation lacking.

DATA SOURCES: Human, animal, and in vitro studies. Extensive literature search of multiple bibliographic databases, trial registries, major grey literature sources and bibliographies of identified studies. STUDY SELECTION: The authors aimed to identify studies which could be used to determine the maximum safe level for fluoride in drinking water. To identify new studies published since a 2016 Australian review, the search period was 2016 to July 2021. Studies which evaluated the association between either naturally or artificially fluoridated water (any concentration) and any health outcomes were included. No restrictions on study design or publication status. Articles published in a 'non-Latin language' were excluded. Screening of abstracts and full texts was in duplicate. For IQ and dental fluorosis, a top-up search was conducted between 2021 and Feb 2023. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Extensive data extraction. Risk of bias assessment using the OHAT tool. A narrative synthesis of the results was carried out. RESULTS: The review included 89 studies in humans, 199 in animals and 10 reviews of in vitro studies. Where there was consistent evidence of a positive association, in relation to a water fluoride concentration of <20 ppm (mg F/L), and where studies were judged to be acceptable or high quality, health effects were taken forwards for further examination of causality using Bradford Hill's 9 criteria. Of the 39 health outcomes reviewed, 4 were further assessed for causality. The authors reported 'strong' evidence of causality for dental fluorosis and reductions in children's IQ scores, 'moderate' strength evidence for thyroid dysfunction, 'weak' for kidney dysfunction, and 'limited' evidence for sex hormone disruption. CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that moderate dental fluorosis and reductions in children's IQ scores are the most appropriate health outcomes to use when setting an upper safe level of fluoride in drinking water. For reductions in children's IQ, the authors acknowledge a biological mechanism of action has not been elucidated, and the dose response curve is not clear at lower concentrations, limiting the ability to set an upper safe threshold.

Progress in research on the role of fluoride in immune damage.

Excessive fluoride intake from residential environments may affect multiple tissues and organs; however, the specific pathogenic mechanisms are unclear. Researchers have recently focused on the damaging effects of fluoride on the immune system. Damage to immune function seriously affects the quality of life of fluoride-exposed populations and increases the incidence of infections and malignant tumors. Probing the mechanism of damage to immune function caused by fluoride helps identify effective drugs and methods to prevent and treat fluorosis and improve people's living standards in fluorosis-affected areas. Here, the recent literature on the effects of fluoride on the immune system is reviewed, and research on fluoride damage to the immune system is summarized in terms of three perspectives: immune organs, immune cells, and immune-active substances. We reviewed that excessive fluoride can damage immune organs, lead to immune cells dysfunction and interfere with the expression of immune-active substances. This review aimed to provide a potential direction for future fluorosis research from the perspective of fluoride-induced immune function impairment. In order to seek the key regulatory indicators of fluoride on immune homeostasis in the future.

Effect of Calcium Supplementation and TMEM16A Inhibition on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Induced by Dental Fluorosis in Mice.

BACKGROUND: Dental fluorosis is a discoloration of the teeth caused by the excessive consumption of fluoride. It represents a distinct manifestation of chronic fluorosis in dental tissues, exerting adverse effects on the human body, particularly on teeth. The transmembrane protein 16a (TMEM16A) is expressed at the junction of the endoplasmic reticulum and the plasma membrane. Alterations in its channel activity can disrupt endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis and intracellular calcium ion concentration, thereby inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). This study aims to investigate the influence of calcium supplements and TMEM16A on ERS in dental fluorosis. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice exhibiting dental fluorosis were subjected to an eight-week treatment with varying calcium concentrations: low (0.071%), medium (0.79%), and high (6.61%). Various assays, including Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot, were employed to assess the impact of calcium supplements on fluoride content, ameloblast morphology, TMEM16A expression, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins (calreticulin (CRT), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), inositol requiring kinase 1α (IRE1α), PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6)) in the incisors of mice affected by dental fluorosis. Furthermore, mice with dental fluorosis were treated with the TMEM16A inhibitor T16Ainh-A01 along with a medium-dose calcium to investigate the influence of TMEM16A on fluoride content, ameloblast morphology, and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins in the context of mouse incisor fluorosis. RESULTS: In comparison to the model mice, the fluoride content in incisors significantly decreased following calcium supplements (p < 0.01). Moreover, the expression of TMEM16A, CRT, GRP78, IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6 were also exhibited a substantial reduction (p < 0.01), with the most pronounced effect observed in the medium-dose calcium group. Additionally, the fluoride content (p < 0.05) and the expression of CRT, GRP78, IRE1α, PERK, and ATF6 (p < 0.01) were further diminished following concurrent treatment with the TMEM16A inhibitor T16Ainh-A01 and a medium dose of calcium. CONCLUSIONS: The supplementation of calcium or the inhibition of TMEM16A expression appears to mitigate the detrimental effects of fluorosis by suppressing endoplasmic reticulum stress. These findings hold implications for identifying potential therapeutic targets in addressing dental fluorosis.

Potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with different baby formulas and water brands marketed in Spain.

Despite efforts to promote breastfeeding, many babies aged <6 months receive only baby formula reconstituted with bottled water. The intake of high levels of fluoride during amelogenesis has been associated with hypomineralization of the tooth enamel, with aesthetic and mechanical repercussions. The objective of this study was to determine the potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with baby formulas marketed in Spain. We measured 26 baby formulas frequently consumed in Spain; 17 brands for babies aged <6 months, 5 for those aged >6 months, and 4 ready-to-use brands. They were prepared with 4 types of water: distilled water and three brands of bottled water with different levels of fluoride. The fluoride concentration (mg/L or ppm F) was measured with an ion-specific electrode coupled to an ion analyzer. Each sample was prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions and analyzed in triplicate. A descriptive analysis was carried out. The minimum fluoride level found was 0.04 mg/L and the maximum was 1.02 mg/L. Considering the daily intake of these formulas, none exceeded the clinically-acceptable daily dose limit risk for fluorosis (0.07 mg F/day/kg body weight) when mixed with bottled water with a low level of fluoride (0.1 mg/L). However, when the same brands of formula were reconstituted with bottled water with a higher fluoride content (0.99 mg/L), they all exceeded the daily dose limit for the risk of fluorosis. As the potential risk of dental fluorosis associated with the formulas tested depends exclusively on the fluoride concentration of the waters used for reconstitution, formula packaging should contain a warning.

Prevalence of Skeletal Fluorosis in Northern Tanzania: A Follow-Up Study.

OBJECTIVES: Skeletal fluorosis is a metabolic bone disease caused by excessive exposure to fluoride, predominantly through contamination of drinking water. This study aimed to identify all cases of skeletal fluorosis in Tindigani village situated in Northern Tanzania. This was done following changes in drinking water sources after a previous prevalence study in 2009 in this population. METHODS: In a door-to-door cross-sectional study of Tindigani village, a sample of residents was assessed for skeletal fluorosis and dental fluorosis. Diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis was based on pre-defined angles of deformity of the lower limbs. Dental fluorosis was diagnosed and graded using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index. Samples from current drinking water sources underwent fluoride analysis. RESULTS: Tindigani village had a population of 1,944 individuals. Of the 1,532 individuals who were screened, 45 had skeletal fluorosis, giving a prevalence of 3.3% (95% CI=2.4, 4.3). Dental fluorosis was present in 82.5% of those examined (95% CI=79.8, 85.3). Dental fluorosis was present in all individuals with skeletal fluorosis and at higher grades than in the rest of the population. Drinking water samples were collected from 28 sources. These included piped, surface, well, and borehole water sources. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.45-38.59 mg/L of fluoride. CONCLUSIONS: Skeletal fluorosis is an ongoing but preventable health problem in the current population. The delivery of sustainable low fluoride piped water to this community would be of clear health benefit. This has been addressed at a local level.

A comparative evaluation of the fluoride content in commercially available infant formulae in India: An in vitro study.

CONTEXT: The most critical period for enamel fluorosis to develop is during the early years of life when enamel formation occurs. To minimize the risk of dental fluorosis development, monitoring fluoride intake during teeth development has been suggested. As infant formulae are major source of nutrition in infants, it is important to determine the fluoride content in them in order to monitor the fluoride intake in infants. AIMS: To estimate and comparatively evaluate the fluoride content in different commercially available infant formulae in India. METHODOLOGY: A total of 16 commercially available infant formulae were collected from local pharma/grocery stores, in which 14 were milk based (Group M) and 2 were soy based (Group S). Fluoride content of the formulae was evaluated using ORION F selective electrode. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test, t-test. RESULTS: The mean F values for groups M and S were found to be 0.031 and 0.07 ppm, respectively. Fluoride content of milk-based formulae was significantly lesser (P < 0.001) than soy-based formulae. Daily fluoride intake through the tested formulae was in the range of 0.013 mg and 0.105 mg when calculated following the manufacturer's preparation guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Infant formulae alone were unlikely to be a risk factor for dental fluorosis, but when reconstituted with optimally fluoridated water, they can be a risk factor for the development of dental fluorosis.

Fluoride in drinking groundwater and prevalence of fluorosis in children and adolescents: A systematic review.

Fluorosis is a worldwide public health problem. One of the factors related to it is the type of water consumed, such as groundwater. High fluoride concentration in groundwater may be explained by contamination from local industries. Since fluoride and arsenic are the main pollutants of groundwater, some studies correlate groundwater consumption with high prevalence of fluorosis. Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine whether children's risk of fluorosis is related to drinking groundwater. Materials and Method: The protocol for this systematic review was registered at the National Institute of Health Research Database (CRD42021227298). A comprehensive search was conducted to identify potentially relevant studies by exploring a range of electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline via Ovid, Lilacs, Embase, and grey literature). Results: A total 2189 articles were found. After reading titles and abstracts, 63 were selected for screening, and the final data was extracted from 15 articles. Conclusion: A relationship was identified between drinking fluoridated water from wells and the prevalence of fluorosis in individuals up to 18 years old. This is the first study to assess the issue systematically worldwide.

La fluorosis es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial y el tipo de agua consumida es uno de los factores relacionados con ella, como el consumo de aguas subterráneas. La alta concentración de fluoruro en estas aguas puede justificarse por la contaminación por industrias locales y las características del suelo, donde algunos estudios correlacionan el consumo de aguas subterráneas con una alta prevalencia de fluorosis, ya que el fluoruro, junto con el arsénico, se consideran los principales contaminantes de estas aguas. Objetivo: El objetivo es realizar una revisión sistemática que relacione el riesgo de fluorosis en niños expuestos al consumo de agua procedente de pozos. Materiales y Método: El protocolo de esta revisión sistemática fue registrado en el National Institute of Health Research Database (CRD42021227298). Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de estudios primarios explorando diversas bases de datos electrónicas (Medline vía PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science Core Collection, Medline vía Ovid, Lilacs, Embase y literatura gris). Resultados: Se encontraron 2189 artículos, tras la lectura de títulos y resúmenes se seleccionaron 63 referencias para examinar y, finalmente, se extrajeron los datos de 15 artículos. Conclusiones: Se identificó una relación entre el consumo de agua fluorada de pozo y la prevalencia de fluorosis en individuos de hasta 18 años, siendo este estudio el primero en evaluarlo sistemáticamente a nivel mundial.

Fluorosis. Antivet contra ácido clorhídrico / fluoride. Antivet vs hydrochloric acid

Introducción: La fluorosis dental es una hipomineralización del esmalte producida como respuesta a la ingesta de fluor por un periodo prolongado durante la formación del esmaltado. Es una alteración irreversible, que clínicamente se caracteriza por la presencia de delgadas líneas blanquecinas distribuidas en el esmalte dental correspondientes a la disposición de las periquimatías, y en grados más avanzados de la enfermedad se odservan cambios en toda la superficie del esmaltado que adquiere un aspecto opaco, como de piedra caliza. En los niveles más severos de flurosis dental, la presencia de hipomineralización, y el aumento en la porosidad del esmalte dental propicia la pérdida de porciones importantes de su estructura, produciendo fracturas, por lo que se deteriora la apariencia y funcionalidad de los dientes afectados. (1) La OMS recomienda que el valor de referencia para el fluoruro en el agua potable es de 1,5 mg /1.(2) El flúor es un gas halógeno, el más electronegativo de los elementos de la tabla periódica, con número atómico 19, prácticamente no existe libre en la naturaleza, sino asociado a otros elementos como: calcio y sodio. La principal vía de incorporación del flúor en el organismo humano es la digestiva. Es absorbido rápidamente en la mucosa del intestino delgado y del estómago, por un simple fenómeno de difusión. Una en los tejidos, depositándose preferentemente en los tejidos duros; se elimina por todas las vías de excreción, principalmente por orina. La cantidad de flúor en el organismo es variable y depende de la ingestión, inhalación, absorción y eliminación, así como de las características de los compuestos. Generalmente se concentra en huesos, cartílagos, dientes y placa bacteriana. El depósito de flúor varía con la edad y la excreción. En los niños, el 50% se fija en huesos y dientes en formación; en adultos, se deposita básicamente en huesos. (3) Existen diversos métodos para su eliminación. En esta investigación se realizaron 18 procedimientos a pacientes de ambos sexos. La metodología fue dividir en dos grupos de 8 personas cada uno, en el cual se utilizó Antivet en el primer grupo y ácido clorhídrico al 18% en el segundo grupo. Los casos fueron seleccionados al azar y posteriormente se observaron los cambios clínicos con cada grupo. En el primer grupo de personas que utilizaron Antivet, se mostró que en casos severos de fluorosis no era un método tan eficaz, ya que no elimina por completo las manchas marrones, sin embargo, es un procedimiento muy bueno para uso clínico cuando los grados de fluorosis son menores. En el segundo grupo de personas que utilizaron ácido clorhídrico al 18% se demostró la eficacia del tratamiento en fluorosis de grados avanzados, donde el esmalte está más del 50% dañado, por lo que es un excelente método de tratamiento con el debido control en su manipulación. Objetivo: Saber diferenciar los tipos de materiales y conocer los diferentes métodos para eliminación de flúor así como mostrar la diferencia entre tratamientos. Metodología: El tipo de estudio es explicativo y con el cual se espera contribuir al desarrollo del conocimiento científico. Su realización supone el ánimo de contribuir al desarrollo del saber científico. Consistió en seleccionar 16 pacientes, masculinos y femenonos y de distintas edades de entre 15 y 40 años. Se dividieron al azar, en 2 grupos de 8 personas cada uno para tratarlos con 2 productos diferentes. El primer grupo fue tratado con ácido clorhídrico al 18% y el segundo grupo con la marca comercial Antivet. Resultado y conclusión: La fluorosis dental es causada por ingestas excesivas de flúor. El uso del ácido clorhídrico es corrosivo, su aroma es penetrante y los cuidados con el paciente son mayores, ya que un mal uso al tener contacto con piel o mucosa creará necrosis. El Antivet tiene desventajas de costo y disponibilidad, pero su ventaja es que brinda más seguridad en su manipulación.

Introduction: Dental fluorosis is a hypomineralization of the enamel produced due to fluoride intake for a prolonged time during enamel formation. It is an irreversible alteration, which is clinically characterized by the presence of thin whitish lines distributed in the dental enamel corresponding to the disposition of the perikymata. In more advanced degrees of the disease, changes are observed in the entire enamel surface, which acquires an opaque appearance, like limestone. In the most severe levels of dental fluorosis, the presence of hypomineralization and increased porosity of the dental enamel leads to the loss of essential portions of its structure, producing fractures, thus deteriorating the appearance and functionality of the affected teeth. (1) The WHO recommends that the reference value for fluoride in drinking water is 1.5 mg/l. (2) Fluoride is a halogen gas, the most electronegative of the periodic table elements, with atomic number 19. It practically does not exist free in nature but is associated with other elements such as calcium and sodium. The primary way of incorporating fluorine into the human organism is through the digestive system. It is rapidly absorbed in the mucosa of the small intestine and stomach by a simple phenomenon of diffusion. Once absorbed, fluoride passes into the blood and is distributed in the tissues, preferentially deposited in hard tissues; it is eliminated by all excretion routes, mainly by the urine. The amount of fluoride in the body is variable and depends on ingestion, inhalation, absorption, elimination, and the characteristics of the compounds. It is generally concentrated in bones, cartilage, teeth, and bacterial plaque. Fluoride deposition varies with age and excretion. In children, 50% is fixed in bones and teeth information; it is basically deposited in bones in adults. (3) There are various methods for its elimination. In this research, 18 procedures were performed on patients of both sexes. The methodology was divided into two groups of 8 persons each, in which Antivet was used in the first group and 18% hydrochloric acid in the second group. The cases were randomly selected, and subsequently, the clinical changes were observed in each group. In the first group of people who used Antivet, it was shown that in severe cases of fluorosis, it was not such an effective method since it does not completely eliminate the brown stains. However, it is a very effective method for clinical use when the degrees of fluorosis are lower. In the second group of people who used 18% hydrochloric acid, the effectiveness of the treatment was demonstrated in advanced degrees of fluorosis, where the enamel is more than 50% damaged, making it an excellent method of treatment with due control in its manipulation. Objective: To differentiate the types of materials and to know the different methods for fluoride elimination as well as to show the difference between treatments. Methodology: The type of study is explanatory, and it is expected to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge. It was carried out to contribute to the development of scientific knowledge. It consisted of selecting 16 patients of both sexes and of different ages between 15 and 40 years old. They were randomly divided into two groups of 8 persons, each to be treated with two different products. The first group was treated with 18% hydrochloric acid, and the second group with the comercial brand Antivet. Result and conclusion: Dental fluorosis is caused by excessive fluoride intake. Hydrochloric acid is corrosive, its aroma is penetrating, and the care with the patient is greater since a wrong use when in contact with skin or mucosa will create necrosis. Antivet has disadvantages of cost and availability, but its advantage is that it provides more safety in its handling.

Prevalencia de fluorosis en menores de 4 a 15 años, según índice de Dean y su asociación con el nivel de flúor presente en el agua de consumo / Prevalence of fluorosis in children between 4 and 15 years of age according to Dean's index and its association with the level of fluoride present in drinking

Resumen Objetivo. Identificar la prevalencia de fluorosis en menores de 4 a 15 años de edad, según índice de Dean y su asociación con el nivel de flúor presente en el agua de consumo en la provincia de Cotopaxi. Previa una autorización de participación por parte de sus padres y aprobación del comité de la Universidad Central del Ecuador. Métodos. Fueron examinados 115 participantes en las edades de 4 a 15 años, siguiendo protocolos de registro fotográfico validados tras verificar y cumplimiento de criterios de inclusión. A su vez, se evaluaron muestras de agua de abastecimiento que fueron recolectadas según los protocolos adecuados y examinadas según la presencia de flúor. Las fotografías obtenidas fueron analizadas por tres evaluadores certificados y entrenados en la diferenciación de los grados de fluorosis según Dean mediante índice Kappa. Resultados. Los valores emitidos por cada evaluador fueron recolectados tabulados y procesados mediante el programa SPSS, y la prueba estadística de Chi cuadrado y correlación de Spearman, evidenciando ausencia de una relación estadísticamente significativa, entre las variables analizadas. Conclusión. La presencia de fluorosis de leve a moderada en la población analizada no guarda relación con el porcentaje de flúor presente en las aguas de consumo.

Abstract Objective. Identify the prevalence of fluorosis in children between 4 and 15 years of age according to the Dean's index, and determine its association with the level of fluoride present in drinking water from Cotopaxi province. Subsequent to the authorization by their parents and approval by the committee of the Central University of Ecuador Methods. 115 participants between the ages of 4 to 15 years old were examined following validated photographic registration protocols, after verifying and fulfilling the inclusion criteria, along with the supply water samples were collected following the adequate protocols and examined for the presence of fluoride. The obtained photographs were analyzed by three certified evaluators, who were trained in the differentiation of the degrees of fluorosis according to Dean by means of the Kappa index. Results. The values emitted by each evaluator were tabulated and processed through the SPSS program, using the statistical test of Chi-square and Spearman's correlation. The absence of a statistically significant relationship between the variables was observed. Conclusion: The presence of mild to moderate fluorosis in the analyzed population is not related to the percentage of fluoride present in drinking water.

Fluorose por ingestão voluntária de pasta fluoretada após os 5 anos de idade: relato de caso e discussão da importância da educação em saúde bucal na 1a infância / Fluorosis from voluntary ingestion of fluoride paste after 5 years of age: case report and discussion of the importance of health education in early childhood

Introdução: Preocupações com a ingestão de pasta fluoretada por crianças se limita à primeira infância devido ao risco de fluorose nos dentes permanentes anteriores, mas o processo educativo para garantir uma segurança para toda a dentição tem sido negligenciado. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de fluorose dentaria em dentes caninos, pré-molares e 2o molares por ingestão voluntária de pasta fluoretada Relato do caso: Paciente de 12 anos, 65 kg, procurou atendimento odontológico devido a insatisfação com a coloração dos dentes posteriores. Constatou-se que os dentes caninos, pré-molares e segundo molares, superiores e inferiores apresentavam opacidades tipo fluoróticas, estando os demais normais. Entre as possíveis causas, a principal recaiu sobre o modo que a criança passou a escovar os dentes após os 5 anos de idade. Foi relatado que ela voluntariamente escovava seus dentes 6x/dia sem cuspir. Foram feitas análises da concentração de fluoreto da água consumida pela paciente e nas pastas usadas. Também foi feito teste de excreção de fluoreto urinário pela paciente, solicitando para ela escovar os dentes cuspindo ou engolindo toda a pasta em uso. Resultados: Na água foi encontrado 0,74 mg F/L e nas pastas usadas 1.357 e 1.426 mg F solúvel/ kg. Na urina foi encontrado 0,90 e 1,35 mg F, respectivamente, cuspindo ou engolindo a pasta após as escovações. Foi estimado que a partir dos 5 anos de idade, a criança se submeteu à dose de 0,17 mg F/dia/kg de peso corpóreo, a qual é 2,4 vezes maior que o limite superior de risco de fluorose. Conclusão: O caso relatado sugere ser uma consequência de falha do processo de educação em saúde na 1a infância quanto ao uso racional de dentifrício fluoretado.

Introduction: Concerns about children's intake of fluoride toothpaste are limited to infancy due to the risk of fluorosis in the permanent anterior teeth, but the educational process to ensure safety for the entire dentition has been neglected. Objective: To report a case of dental fluorosis in canine, premolar and 2nd molar teeth caused by voluntary ingestion of fluoride toothpaste. Case report: A 12- year-old patient, 65 kg, search dental care due to dissatisfaction with the color of the posterior teeth. It was diagnosticated that the superior and inferior canine, premolar and second molar teeth had fluorotic opacities, and the other teeth are sound. Among the possible causes, the main one was the way the child started brushing their teeth after 5 years of age. It was reported that she voluntarily brushed her teeth 6x/day without spitting. Analyzes of the fluoride concentration in the water consumed by the patient and in the toothpastes used were performed. A urinary fluoride excretion test by the patient, requesting her to brush her teeth by spitting out or swallowing all the toothpaste in use, was made. Results: Fluoride concentration in the water was 0.74 mg F/L and 1,357 and 1,426 mg F/kg in the toothpastes pastes used. In urine test, 0.90 and 1.35 mg F were found, respectively, spitting or swallowing the toothpaste after brushing. It was estimated that from 5 years of age, the child was submitted a dose of 0.17 mg F/day/kg of body weight, which is 2.4 times the upper limit for an acceptable fluorosis. Conclusion: The reported case suggests that it is a consequence of the failure of the health education process in early childhood regarding the rational use of fluoride toothpaste.

The influence of fluoride in drinking water on the incidence of fluorosis and intelligence of elementary school students in Palu City

Objective: This research aims to know the influence of fluoride in drinking water towards Fluorosis and the Intelligence Level of Elementary School Students in Palu City. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed through descriptive analysis on 100 students aged 6–12 years old selected by stratified random sampling from two different areas with different levels of fluoride in drinking water in Palu City. The samples were collected from two different elementary schools which were SDN 2 Talise and SDN Inpres 1 Birobuli. The examination was performed by a dentist using Dean's Fluorosis Index and philology, who measured students’ IQ using Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices. Results: High level of F in drinking water affects the fluorosis status of students (p = 0.001), in which among 40 students (40%) who experienced fluorosis, 38 (38%) of them are from the area whose F level is high. The high level of F also affected the children's IQ, obtaining a p-value of 0.001, showing that there were no students with low IQ found in the area with low F level. For the status of Fluorosis and IQ, p = 0.001 was obtained. Among the 60 students who did not experience fluorosis, 96.6% of them had a high IQ level. Conclusion: The recent research found that fluorosis was found more often in the area of which F level was high, where the IQ level of the students was found to be lower compared to the students who loved in the area with low F level. (AU)

In vivo effect of fluoride combined with amoxicillin on enamel development in rats

Abstract Some evidence in vitro suggested that amoxicillin and fluoride could disturb the enamel mineralization. Objective: To assess the effect of amoxicillin and of the combination of amoxicillin and fluoride on enamel mineralization in rats. Methodology: In total, 40 rats were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (CG); amoxicillin group (AG - amoxicillin (500 mg/kg/day), fluoride group (FG - fluoridated water (100 ppm -221 mg F/L), and amoxicillin + fluoride group (AFG). After 60 days, the samples were collected from plasma and tibiae and analyzed for fluoride (F) concentration. The incisors were also collected to determine the severity of fluorosis using the Dental Fluorosis by Image Analysis (DFIA) software, concentration of F, measurements of enamel thickness, and hardness. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc test, or Games-Howell post-hoc test (α=0.05). Results: Enamel thickness of the incisors did not differ statistically among the groups (p=0.228). Groups exposed to fluoride (AFG and FG) have higher F concentrations in plasma, bone and teeth than those not exposed to fluoride (CG and AG). The groups showed a similar behavior in the DFIA and hardness test, with the FG and AFG groups showing more severe fluorosis defects and significant lower hardness when compared with the AG and CG groups, with no difference from each other. Conclusion: The rats exposed to fluoride or fluoride + amoxicillin developed dental fluorosis, while exposure to amoxicillin alone did not lead to enamel defects.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Dental Fluorosis among 7-12-Year-Old School Children in an Indian Subpopulation: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis among 7-12-year-old school children in Muradnagar, India. An additional objective was to determine the relationship between dental caries and fluorosis in the studied population. Material and Methods: A total of 1500 school children aged between 7 to 12 years, and both genders were randomly selected for the present study. The selected participants were divided into three groups based upon age, viz 7-8 year (group I), 9-10 year (group II) and 11-12 year (group III). Sterile mouth mirrors and explorers were used for the detection of caries. The water samples were collected to assess the fluoride concentration. The data collected were tabulated and statistically analysed using Chi-square, ANOVA, Spearman's correlation and t-test wherever applicable. Results: Out of 1500 participants, 54.1% were females and 45.9% were males. The prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis was 89.3% and 93.7%, respectively. The prevalence of caries increased with age (p<0.05) and females showed a higher prevalence in both the dentitions. Most dental fluorosis was 'very mild' (40.1%). Prevalence of dental fluorosis increased with age and males showed more fluorosis than females. A negative relationship was found between dental caries and fluorosis (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental caries and fluorosis are the public health problems in Muradnagar; therefore, preventive programs should be organized to increase awareness among the general people.

Concentración de flúor y metales pesados en aguas embotelladas: medidas barrera frente a caries dental y fluorosis / Fluoride and heavy metals concentration in bottled waters: barrier measures against dental caries and fluorosis

FUNDAMENTOS: El consumo diario de agua fluorada es una de las medidas mas beneficiosas en la prevención de la caries dental. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el contenido de flúor y metales pesados en el agua mineral natural embotellada disponible en los comercios de España. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal a lo largo de 2019, analizando 20 marcas de aguas embotelladas comercializadas en España en ese año. Se midió principalmente la concentración de flúor (partes por millón/mililitro) (ppm/ml), que fue analizada con un electrodo ion-específico (modelo Orión 96-09, Orion Research, Cambridge) acoplado a un analizador de iones (Orion EA-940). Los metales pesados se analizaron mediante ICP-MS (Agilent modelo 7900). Se realizó un estudio estadístico descriptivo de los datos. RESULTADOS: El valor mínimo de flúor encontrado fue de 0,05 ppm y el máximo de 0,95 ppm. El 80% de las marcas analizadas contenían menos de 0,6 ppm F. Solamente una marca superó las 0,8 ppm F. Cromo y arsénico fueron los metales pesados presentes en todas las marcas, sin superar la dosis máxima. Ninguna marca de agua embotellada indicaba los metales pesados en la etiqueta, y solo una marca indicó la concentración de flúor en la etiqueta. CONCLUSIONES: Existe una gran variabilidad en la composición química de las aguas embotelladas comercializadas en España. La mayoría tienen una concentración de fluoruro inferior a la recomendada para prevenir la caries dental, por lo que se necesitaría un aporte extra de flúor. En las aguas embotelladas analizadas existen metales pesados, pero no superan las dosis máximas establecidas por la legislación

BACKGROUND: The daily consumption of fluoridated water is one of the most beneficial measures in dental caries prevention. The objective of this paper was to analyze the content of fluorine and heavy metals in the bottled natural mineral water available in stores in Spain. METHODS: A descriptive and transversal study was done throughout 2019. Analysing a total of 20 bottled waters marketed in Spain during this year. Mainly, fluoride concentration (ppm/ml) was analyzed with an ion-specific electrode (Orion model 96-09, Orion Research, Cambridge, MA) coupled to an ion analyzer (Orion EA-940). The heavy metals were analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent model 7900). A descriptive statistical study of the data was carried out. RESULTS: The minimum value of fluorine found was 0.05 ppm and the maximum 0.95 ppm. 80% of the brands analyzed contain less than 0.6 ppm F. Only 1 brand exceeds 0.8 ppm F. Chromium and arsenic were the heavy metals present in all brands, without exceeding the maximum dose. No brand of bottled water indicated heavy metals on the label, and only 1 mark indicated the fluoride concentration on the label. CONCLUSIONS: There is a great variability in the chemical composition of bottled waters marketed in Spain. Most have a fluoride concentration lower than that recommended to prevent tooth decay, which would require an extra supply of fluoride. In the bottled waters analyzed there are heavy metals but they did not exceed the maximum doses established by legislation

Gene expression of collagen type I alpha 2 and its relationship with dental fluorosis

Objective: to compare the gene expression levels of collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2) in children with and without dental fluorosis. methods: cross-sectional study involving 92 children between 5 and 12 years of age. socio-demographic characteristics, the presence of dental fluorosis by means of the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index, and gene expression analysis of COL1A2 in peripheral blood samples by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays, were described. for the descriptive analysis, measures of central tendency, dispersion and proportions were used. differences between the groups (p<0.05) were established by the student t-test. results: mean age was 8.6 (SD=1.9) years, 51.1 percent were female; 54 children were diagnosed with fluorosis and 38 without fluorosis; prevalence of dental fluorosis was 58.7 percent (95 percent CI: 48.4 percent -68.9 percent). gene expression of COL1A2 was statistically significantly lower (p<0.05) in the participants with dental fluorosis. conclusion: there are differences in the expression levels of the COL1A2 gene among the population under study. therefore, COL1A2 may be potentially involved in the development of dental fluorosis.

Fluorosis endémica en localidades del Paraguay / Endemic fluorosis in localities of Paraguay

Es bien conocida la utilización de fluoruros en la prevención de caries, administrados en forma sistémica o aplicados en forma tópica sobre las piezas dentarias. La fluoración del agua, en países como Estados Unidos, está instalada desde 1945, con concentraciones de flúor entre 0,7 y 1,2 mg/L recomendadas por el Servicio de Salud Pública (PHS). La fluorosis dental es una condición irreversible y constituye la primera señal visible de que un niño ha sido sobreexpuesto a fluoruros8. Es producida por el consumo de altas concentraciones de flúor en el periodo de formación de los dientes, provocando deficiencia estética y biológica, lo que predispone a la aparición de caries, sensibilidad dental, maloclusión, y problemas de autoestima por la apariencia de las piezas dentarias con repercusiones en salud pública dado los altos costos de los tratamientos restauradores9,(AU)

Impact psychologique, qualité de vie et traitements des patients adultes souffrant de fluorose dentaire dans une région endémique au nord du Nigeria

Objectif : Evaluer l'impact de la Fluorose Dentaire (FD) sur la Qualité de Vie (QdV) et déterminer les traitements nécessaires parmi les adultes affectés qui fréquentent la clinique dentaire d'un Centre Hospitalier Universitaire dans un lieu endémique.Matériels et méthodes : L'évaluation de tous les patients consécutifs adultes fréquentant les cliniques de diagnostic et de restauration orales a été menée pour diagnostiquer la FD en utilisant l'indice de fluorose de Dean. L'impact de la FD sur la QdV avait été évaluée avec les questionnaires abrégées sur le profil de la santé bucco-dentaire (OHIP-14). La comparaison des résultats d'impact avait été menée en utilisant le test t de Student, les statistiques ANOVA, et les corrélations entre les caractéristiques des sujets et l'impact avait été évalué avec un modèle de régression multiple. Résultats : La fluorose dentaire a été diagnostiquée chez 172 sujets avec une moyenne d'âge de 27,89 ans (SD : 7,763), alors que 11,6% des sujets avait consulté la clinique à cause de FD. La moyenne OHIP-14 était de 2,4967 (SEM : 0,2394) avec le score le plus élevé pour le malaise psychologique 0,8930, (SEM : 0,0738), et le handicap psychologique soit 0,7942, (SEM : 0,0752), alors que ceux qui étaient préoccupés par l'apparence de leurs dents avaient les notes les plus élevées soit 0,61 (SEM : 0,05). La sévérité de l'impact psychologique était corrélée au motif de consultation (P = 0,00). Aucune association n'avait trouvée concernant l'impact et le sexe (P = 0,64), l'impact et le groupe d'âges (P = 0,32), et l'impact et la profession (P = 0,29). Des associations similaires ont été constatées concernant l'impact psychologique.Conclusion : L'impact général était faible, mais surtout en raison des effets psychologiques sur les malades avec une faible QdV et ressenti par ceux qui cherchaient un traitement et ceux qui avaient les fluoroses dentaires les plus sévères

Heterocontrole da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público em cidades do estado de Goiás, Brasil / External control of fluoridation in public water supply systems in the state of Goiás, Brazil

Resumo A adição do flúor na água é um método empregado na redução de cárie dentária. O controle da fluoretação é importante para manter a sua eficiência e, ao mesmo tempo, evitar o risco de ocorrência de fluorose, fruto do consumo de água com flúor em excesso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adequação dos níveis do fluoreto na água distribuída à população do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram analisadas 5.039 amostras de água coletadas em 225 municípios de Goiás, entre 2011 e 2013. Os resultados foram analisados por sazonalidade, tipo de manancial e localização geográfica. Ocorreu uma variação entre ausência e 2,5 mg F/L, com 28,2% das amostras entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L e 39,1% entre 0,55 e 0,84 mg F/L. No período de chuva ocorreu um maior número de resultados atípicos e maiores valores quando comparados ao período da seca. Verificou-se que os sistemas abastecidos por água proveniente de mananciais subterrâneos possuem um menor controle de fluoreto quando comparados a sistemas provenientes de mananciais superficiais. Observou-se menores concentrações nas amostras coletadas no Norte e Leste goianos, com menos de 7,5% entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L, para aquelas coletadas de sistemas de abastecimento que utilizam água de manancial subterrâneo com adição de fluoreto, existindo dificuldades na manutenção dos seus teores.

Abstract The addition of fluoride to the public water supply is a method used for reducing tooth decay. In this sense, the control of fluoridation is important for maintaining its efficiency and, at the same time, for avoiding the risk of fluorosis as a result of the consumption of water with excess of fluoride. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of fluoride levels in the water distributed to populations of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Towards this aim, 5,039 water samples collected between 2011 and 2013 in 225 municipalities of the state of Goiás were analyzed for fluoride level. The results were assessed with regard to season, type of water source and geographic location. Fluoride levels were found to vary between complete absence and 2.5 mg F/L, with 28.2% of the samples being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, and 39.1% between 0.55 and 0.84 mg F/L. The rainy season produced a greater number of atypical results and higher values than the dry period. The systems supplied by groundwater sources were shown to have a limited control of fluoride concentration compared to systems supplied by surface water sources. Lower concentrations of fluoride were found in samples collected in the North and East Mesoregions of Goiás, with less than 7.5% being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, which systems are mainly supplied by groundwater sources with fluoride addition .

Caries and fluoridated water in two Brazilian municipalities with low prevalence of the disease / Cárie e água fluoretada em dois municípios brasileiros com baixa prevalência da doença

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between exposure to fluoridated water and dental caries in a context of widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in Brazil, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study, of the census type, in the form of a double population-based epidemiological survey carried out in two municipalities of the state of São Paulo in 2014. The sample consisted of adolescents aged 11 and 12 years, exposed (n = 184) or not exposed (n = 128) to fluoridated water for at least five years. The populations studied lived in communities of the same geographic region and had small demographic size and similar socioeconomic classification, differing only in the exposure (Silveiras) or not exposure (São José do Barreiro) to fluoridated water. The experience, magnitude, and degree of polarization of dental caries in these populations were analyzed using the DMFT and SiC indexes, and the association was tested using Pearson's chi-square statistics and prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed to fluoridated water. RESULTS Although caries experience (DMFT ≥ 1) was not associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square = 1.78; p = 0.18; α = 5%), a significant difference was observed in the magnitude with which the disease reached the population: the means of DMFT were 1.76 in those exposed and 2.60 in those not exposed and the means of SiC were 4.04 and 6.16, respectively. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of subjects with DMFT = 0, was different, being it higher (41.8%) in subjects exposed and lower (34.3%) in subjects not exposed. The prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed was 1.13, indicating little expressiveness in prevalence difference. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to fluoridated water implied lower mean values for the DMFT and SiC indexes, even in the presence of the concomitant exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease, and with a similar pattern of caries distribution in the populations analyzed.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre a exposição à água fluoretada e cárie dentária, em contexto de uso generalizado de creme dental fluoretado no Brasil, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença. MÉTODOS Realizado estudo observacional transversal, de tipo censitário, na modalidade de duplo inquérito epidemiológico populacional, em dois municípios paulistas em 2014. Participaram adolescentes de 11 e 12 anos, imersos na sua condição de exposição (n = 184) ou não exposição (n = 128) à água fluoretada, há pelo menos cinco anos. As populações avaliadas residiam em comunidades da mesma região geográfica, de pequeno porte demográfico e com classificação socioeconômica similar, diferenciando-se apenas pela condição de exposição à água fluoretada (Silveiras) e de não exposição (São José do Barreiro). A experiência, a magnitude e o grau de polarização da cárie dentária nessas populações foram analisadas por meio dos índices CPOD e SiC e a associação foi testada empregando-se as estatísticas qui-quadrado de Pearson e razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos à água fluoretada. RESULTADOS Embora a experiência de cárie (CPOD ≥ 1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado = 1,78; p = 0,18; α = 5%), observou-se expressiva diferença na magnitude com que a doença atingiu a população: as médias CPOD foram de 1,76 em expostos e 2,60 em não expostos e as médias SiC foram de 4,04 e 6,16, respectivamente. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com CPOD = 0, foi diferente, maior (41,8%) em expostos e menor (34,3%) em não expostos. A razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos foi de 1,13, indicando pouca expressividade na diferença das prevalências. CONCLUSÕES A exposição à água fluoretada implicou menores valores médios dos índices CPOD e SiC, ainda que em presença de exposição concomitante a dentifrício fluoretado, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença e padrão similar de distribuição de cárie nas populações analisadas.