Consistency of information on the provision of water fluoridation in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the consistency of data regarding the provision of fluoridation in Brazilian municipalities with water supply systems. METHODS: Official data from the National Basic Sanitation Survey and the National Information System on Sanitation for 2017 were compared. RESULTS: Out of 5,570 municipalities in Brazil, 4,546 (81.6%) had water supply systems. The agreement between data sources was 84%, with a Kappa of 0.668, indicating substantial agreement. However, the estimates of fluoridation provision exhibited an average discrepancy of 8.1 percentage points, ranging from 1.2 points in the Central-West region to 21.4 points in the Northeast region. CONCLUSION: To address these inconsistencies, it is essential to enhance information sources, ensuring more reliable data for health, sanitation authorities, and society at large.

Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Fluoride Supplementation: A Survey of Pediatric Medical and Dental Providers in the State of Hawai'i.

Hawai'i has the lowest rate of community water fluoridation in the nation, which has contributed to poor oral health for children statewide. When properly prescribed, the benefits of fluoride supplementation for oral health outweigh any potential side effects to the body. Official recommendations give pediatric healthcare providers the authority to prescribe fluoride supplements and guide parents in daily usage. However, knowledge of actual practice and adherence for both providers and patients have never been examined in Hawai'i. This study aims to evaluate pediatric healthcare providers' attitudes, knowledge, and practices, regarding fluoride supplementation. A 37-item survey was developed investigating these domains, and was distributed to pediatric dentists, family practitioners, and pediatricians in the state. One hundred and three responses were collected during the time period of May 2014 through May 2015. Descriptive and bivariate associations with several outcomes were assessed. The majority (87%) reported at least some knowledge of the official guidelines. There was uncertainty in knowledge of fluorosis and the seriousness of the health risk. A recent educational session on fluoride was associated with more knowledge of the guidelines and the signs and symptoms of fluorosis. The majority of providers started fluoride at the recommended age whereas there was more variablility on stopping fluoride. On the patient side, providers reported that 67% of the parents forget to administer and 53% reported that their child does not like the taste. This study provides some information regarding the clinical use of fluoride supplementation in children. More efforts are needed to raise awareness in a consistent manner by both the dental and medical communities on the importance of fluoride supplementation to promote oral health in children while addressing concerns of professionals and the community.

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

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 .

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.

Ingesta de flúor a través del consumo de agua de abastecimiento público en la cohorte INMA-Gipuzkoa / Fluoride intake through consumption of water from municipal network in the INMA-Gipuzkoa cohort

Objetivo: Estimar la ingesta de flúor en mujeres embarazadas y sus hijos/as de la cohorte INMA-Gipuzkoa a través del consumo de agua de la red municipal y comparar estas ingestas con los valores recomendados. En Euskadi, la fluoración del agua de consumo es obligatoria en abastecimientos de más de 30.000 habitantes. Método: Se han incluido 575 mujeres embarazadas (reclutamiento en 2006-2008) y 424 niños/as de 4 años (seguimiento en 2010-2012). Las concentraciones de fluoruros en el agua se obtuvieron del sistema de información de aguas de consumo de Euskadi (EKUIS). Los hábitos de consumo de agua y las variables socioeconómicas se obtuvieron mediante cuestionario. Resultados: El 74,9% de las mujeres y el 87,7% de los/las niños/as consumían agua de red municipal. En agua fluorada, el valor medio de fluoruro fue de 0,805mg/l (desviación estándar [DE]: 0,194) durante el periodo de reclutamiento, y de 0,843mg/l (DE: 0,080) durante el seguimiento de los/las niños/as. La ingesta media de flúor y el percentil 95 en las zonas fluoradas fueron de 0,015 y 0,026mg/kg al día en las mujeres y de 0,033 y 0,059mg/kg al día en los/las niños/as. Considerando solo el flúor aportado por el agua, el 8,71% de los/las niños/as residentes en zonas con fluoración superaban la ingesta de 0,05mg/kg al día recomendada por la European Food Safety Authority. Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las ingestas de flúor a través del agua de consumo pueden superar lo recomendado en población infantil, y propician futuros estudios que aporten evidencias que puedan ayudar en las políticas de fluoración de las aguas de consumo público

Objective: To estimate fluoride intake through consumption of water from the municipal network in pregnant women and their children from the INMA-Gipuzkoa cohort and to compare these intakes with recommended levels. In Euskadi (Spain), fluoridation of drinking water is compulsory in water supplies for more than 30,000 inhabitants. Method: 575 pregnant women (recruitment, 2006-2008) and 424 4-year-old children (follow-up, 2010-2012) have been included. Fluoride levels in drinking water were obtained from the water consumption information system of the Basque Country (EKUIS). Water consumption habits and socioeconomic variables were obtained by questionnaire. Results: 74.9% and 87.7% of women and children consumed water from the municipal network. Average fluoride levels in fluoridated water were 0.805 (SD: 0.194) mg/L during baseline recruitment and 0.843 (SD: 0.080) mg/L during follow up, at 4 years old of the children. Average and 95th percentile of fluoride intake were 0.015 and 0.026mg/kg per day in women and 0.033 and 0.059mg/kg per day in children. Considering only fluoride provided by drinking water, 8.71% of children living in fluoridated areas exceeded intake level recommended by the European Food Safety Authority, consisting in 0.05mg/kg per day. Conclusion: The results show that ingested levels of fluoride through consumption of municipal water can exceed the recommended levels in children and encourages further studies that will help in fluoridation policies of drinking water in the future

Fluoride concentration in drinking water samples in Fiji.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this study was to determine the content of fluoride in drinking water from sources within the sampling areas for the National Oral Health Survey (NOHS) 2011 from the Central, Northern, Western and Eastern Divisions in the Fiji Islands. METHOD: Drinking water samples were collected from taps, a waterfall, wells, creeks, streams, springs, rivers, boreholes and rain water tanks in a diverse range of rural and urban areas across the Fiji Islands. A total of 223 areas were sampled between December 2014 and June 2015. Samples were analysed for fluoride using a colorimetric assay with the Zirconyl-SPADNS Reagent. The samples were pre-treated with sodium arsenite solution prior to analysis to eliminate interference from chlorine. RESULTS: Measured fluoride concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.35 ppm, with a mean concentration across all samples of 0.03 + 0.04 ppm. No samples achieved the optimal level for caries prevention (0.7 ppm). The Western Division had the highest fluoride levels compared to the other Divisions. The highest single fluoride concentration was found in Valase. The drinking water for this rural area located in the Western Division is from a borehole. The lowest concentrations of fluoride were in reticulated water samples from rural areas in the Central Division, which were consistently less than those recorded in the Northern, Eastern and Western Divisions. CONCLUSION: All samples had fluoride concentrations below the optimum level required to prevent dental caries. Implications for public health: This research forms part of the objectives of the 2011 National Oral Health Survey in Fiji. At present, Fiji lacks water fluoridation and therefore a baseline of the fluoride content in drinking water supplies is essential before water fluoridation is implemented. The results from this study would be beneficial in designing caries-preventive strategies through water fluoridation and for comparing those strategies with caries prevalence overtime.

Review of Fluoride Intake and Appropriateness of Current Guidelines.

Since the classical epidemiological studies by Dean, it has been known that there should be an optimum level of exposure to fluoride that would be able to provide the maximum protection against caries, with minimum dental fluorosis. The "optimal" daily intake of fluoride for children (0.05-0.07 mg per kilogram bodyweight) that is still accepted worldwide was empirically determined. In the present review, we discuss the appropriateness of the current guidance for fluoride intake, in light of the windows of susceptibility to caries and fluorosis, the modern trends of fluoride intake from multiple sources, individual variations in fluoride metabolism, and recent epidemiological data. The main conclusion is that it is very difficult to think about a strict recommendation for an "optimal" range of fluoride intake at the individual level in light of existing knowledge of 1) the mechanisms of action of fluoride to control caries, 2) the mechanisms involved in dental fluorosis development, 3) the distinct factors that interfere in the metabolism of fluoride, and 4) the windows of susceptibility to both dental caries and fluorosis development. An "optimal" range of fluoride intake is, however, desirable at the population level to guide programs of community fluoridation, but further research is necessary to provide additional support for future decisions on guidance in this area. This list includes the effect of factors affecting fluoride metabolism, clinical trials on the effectiveness of low-fluoride dentifrices to prevent caries in the primary dentition, and validation of biomarkers of exposure to fluoride.

Current Guidance for Fluoride Intake: Is It Appropriate?

The purpose of this report is to examine critically the appropriateness of the current guidance for fluoride intake in the population (0.05-0.07 mg F/kg bodyweight/d), consider whether changes to the current guidance are desirable, and suggest further research that will strengthen the evidence base for future decisions on guidance/advice in this area. The benefits and the risks of using fluoride particularly concern preschool children because it is at this age that excessive fluoride intake may result in dental fluorosis. Data from mostly cross-sectional studies show a wide variation in exposure and a considerable variation in the amount of fluoride ingested. Fluorosis, mostly mild, is commonly observed. For considering changes in current guidance, there is a need for more knowledge on the relationship between exposure to fluoride at an early age and the development of fluorosis. For that, prospective epidemiological studies with sufficiently large and representative samples of children are required. It is also important to study children in communities both with and without water fluoridation and to include populations where salt or milk fluoridation is used. There is also a need for professional agreement on acceptable levels of mild and moderate/severe fluorosis and a more comprehensive knowledge on the appreciation of mild fluorosis among the public.

Understanding Optimum Fluoride Intake from Population-Level Evidence.

Policy on fluoride intake involves balancing caries against dental fluorosis in populations. The origin of this balance lies with Dean's research on fluoride concentration in water supplies, caries, and fluorosis. Dean identified cut points in the Index of Dental Fluorosis of 0.4 and 0.6 as critical. These equate to 1.3 and 1.6 mg fluoride (F)/L. However, 1.0 mg F/L, initially called a permissible level, was adopted for fluoridation programs. McClure, in 1943, derived an "optimum" fluoride intake based on this permissible concentration. It was not until 1944 that Dean referred to this concentration as the "optimal" concentration. These were critical steps that have informed health authorities through to today. Several countries have derived toxicological estimates of an adequate and an upper level of intake of fluoride as an important nutrient. The US Institute of Medicine (IOM) in 1997 estimated an Adequate Intake (AI) of 0.05 mg F/kg bodyweight (bw)/d and a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 0.10 mg F/kg bw/d. These have been widely promulgated. However, a conundrum has existed with estimates of actual fluoride intake that exceed the UL without the expected adverse fluorosis effects being observed. Both the AI and UL need review. Fluoride intake at an individual level should be interpreted to inform more nuanced guidelines for individual behavior. An "optimum" intake should be based on community perceptions of caries and fluorosis, while the ultimate test for fluoride intake is monitoring caries and fluorosis in populations.

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 .

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

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.

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.

Cárie e fluoretação das águas em dois munícipios brasileiros com baixa prevalência da doença, na segunda década do século XXI / Caries and fluoridation of water in two Brazilian municipalities with low disease prevalence, in the second decade of the 21st century

Introdução. Não há dados que atestem, no contexto brasileiro das primeiras décadas do século XXI, que a fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público agrega benefício preventivo com relação à cárie dentária, em pequenos municípios, aos proporcionados pelo uso generalizado dos dentifrícios fluoretados. Objetivo. Analisar o grau do benefício preventivo da exposição à água fluoretada em relação à cárie dentária e sua distribuição segundo grupamentos dentais, em contexto de uso generalizado de creme dental fluoretado, no Brasil. Metodologia. Foi realizado estudo observacional transversal, de tipo censitário, na modalidade de duplo inquérito epidemiológico populacional. As populações avaliadas residem em municípios da mesma região geográfica, de pequeno porte demográfico e com classificação socioeconômica similar, diferenciando-se apenas pela condição de exposição, há pelo menos 5 anos, à água fluoretada (Silveiras) ou de não exposição (São José do Barreiro). A experiência e a magnitude da cárie dentária nessas populações foram avaliadas utilizando-se os índices ceod (aos 5 e 6 anos de idade; N=233), CPOD (aos 11 e 12 anos; N=312) e SiC (aos 11 e 12 anos; N=105) e a associação foi testada empregando-se as estatísticas qui-quadrado de Pearson e razão de prevalência (RP) entre não expostos (NE) e expostos (E) à água fluoretada. A partir dos valores do ceod, CPOD e SiC, foram obtidas as razões de magnitude entre os grupamentos dentários posteriores e anteriores (RM-PA), em ambas as dentições, segundo exposição ou não à água fluoretada. Os grupamentos dentários foram assim definidos: anteriores-estéticos (incisivos centrais e laterais e caninos, superiores e inferiores, em ambas as dentições) e posteriores (primeiros e segundos pré-molares e primeiros e segundos molares, superiores e inferiores na dentição permanente e primeiros e segundos molares superiores e inferiores na dentição decídua). Resultados. Dentição decídua- Embora a experiência de cárie (ceod1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado=2,77; p=0,96; =5 por cento ),observou-se expressiva diferença na magnitude com que a doença atingiu a população: as médias ceod foram de 2,74 em expostos e 4,17 em não expostos. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com ceod=0, foi diferente, sendo maior (43,0 por cento ) em expostos e menor (31,0 por cento ) em não expostos. A RP (NE/E) foi de 1,21 indicando que a exposição à água fluoretada correspondeu a uma taxa de prevalência 21 por cento menor, comparativamente aos não expostos. As razões de magnitude para dentição decídua (RM-PAd) foram de 4,2 em expostos e 4,8 em não expostos. Dentição permanente- Embora a experiência de cárie (CPOD1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado=1,78; p=0,18; =5 por cento ), 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. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com CPOD=0, foi diferente, sendo maior (41,8 por cento ) em expostos e menor (34,3 por cento ) em não expostos. A RP (NE/E) foi de 1,13 indicando pouca expressividade na diferença das prevalências. Para a dentição permanente as razões de magnitude na população total (RM-PAp) foram de 22,1 em expostos e 6,1, em não expostos. O valor médio do SiC foi de 4,04 em expostos e 6,16 em não expostos, enquanto as razões de magnitude (RM-PA-SiC) foram 23,8 e 5,9, respectivamente. Conclusão. A exposição à água fluoretada implicou menores valores médios dos índices ceod, 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. As menores experiência e magnitude da cárie nos grupamentos dentários anteriores, em situação de exposição à água fluoretada em comparação com a não exposição, corrobora estudos anteriores. No contexto brasileiro, ainda que em presença de exposição simultânea a dentifrício fluoretado, a fluoretação das águas segue produzindo efeitos epidemiológicos relevantes

Introduction. In the Brazilian context of the first decades of the 21st century, there is no evidence that the fluoridation of public water supplies adds preventive benefit in relation to dental caries, in small municipalities, to those provided by the widespread use of fluoridated dentifrices. Objective. To analyze the degree of the preventive benefit of exposure to fluoridated water in relation to dental caries and its distribution according to dental groups, in a context of widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in Brazil. Methodology. A cross - sectional observational study, census type, was conducted in a double epidemiological population survey. The populations studied live in municipalities of the same geographic region, with a small demographic and similar socioeconomic classification, differing only by the condition of exposure to fluoridated water (Silveiras) or no exposure (São José do Barreiro), for at least 5 years. The experience and magnitude of dental caries in these populations were evaluated using the dmft indice (at 5 and 6 years of age, N=233), DMFT (at 11 and 12 years old, N=312) and SiC (at 11 and 12 years, N=105), and the association was tested using Pearson\'s chi-square statistic and prevalence ratio (PR) between no-exposed (NE) and exposed (E) to fluoridated water. From the values of dmft, DMFT and SiC, the magnitude ratios between the posterior and anterior dental groups (MR-PA) were obtained in both dentitions according to exposure to fluoridated water. Dental groups were defined: anterior-esthetic (central and lateral incisors and canines, upper and lower, in both dentitions) and posterior (first and second premolars and first and second molars, upper and lower, in the permanent dentition and first and second molars upper and lower in the deciduous dentition). Results. Deciduos Dentition- Although the caries experience (dmft1) wasnt associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square=2.77, p=0.96, =5 per cent ), there was a significant difference in Magnitude with which the disease reached the population: the mean dmft were 2.74 in exposed and 4.17 in no exposed. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of individuals with dmft=0, was different, being higher (43.0 per cent ) in exposed and lower (31.0 per cent ) in no exposed. PR (NE / E) was 1.21 indicating that exposure to fluoridated water corresponded to a 21 per cent lower prevalence rate compared to those not exposed. The magnitude ratios for deciduous dentition (MR-PAd) were 4.2 in exposed and 4.8 in no exposed. Permanent Dentition - Although the caries experience (DMFT1) was not associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square=1.78, p=0.18, =5 per cent ), there was a significant difference in Magnitude with which the disease reached the population: DMFT means were 1.76 in exposed and 2.60 in no exposed. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of individuals with DMFT=0, was different, being higher (41.8 per cent ) in exposed and lower (34.3 per cent ) in no exposed. PR (NE / E) was 1.13 indicating little expressiveness in the difference in prevalence. For permanent dentition the magnitude ratios in the total population (MR-PAp) were 22.1 in exposed and 6.1 in no exposed. The DMFT value for the SiC was 4.04 in exposed and 6.16 in no exposed, while the magnitude ratios (MR-PA-SiC) were 23.8 and 5.9, respectively. Conclusion. Exposure to fluoridated water implied lower mean values of dmft, DMFT and SiC indexes, although in the presence of concomitant exposure to fluoridated dentifrice, in a scenario of low disease prevalence and a similar pattern of caries distribution in the populations analyzed. The lower experience and magnitude of caries in the anterior-esthetic dental groups, in situations of exposure to fluoridated water compared to no exposure, corroborates previous studies. In the Brazilian context, even in the simultaneous exposure to fluoridated dentifrice, the fluoridation of water continues to produce relevant epidemiological effects

Caution needed in altering the 'optimum' fluoride concentration in drinking water.

The US Public Health Service has finalized its recommendation relating to community water fluoridation (Federal Panel on Community Water Fluoridation, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). It recommends an optimal concentration of 0.7 mg/l F based on their argument that this concentration provides the best balance of protection from dental caries while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis. The rationale for this recommendation can be questioned, particularly given the contrasting etiologies and impact on the community. Uncertainty surrounds the key evidence considered by the panel. This study argues that the panel should have exercised more caution and called for further research before reducing the 'optimal' concentration of fluoride in water supplies. Up-to-date data on caries and fluorosis trend by age group or birth cohort, analyses on attributable risk for fluorosis, data on individual and population impact of caries and fluorosis, water intake over an extended period across the seasons, and the curvilinear relationship of fluoride concentration in water supplies and caries protection would have all been desirable to inform the panel, given the foreshadowing of the recommendation in late 2011. Further, a wider range of policy directions to achieve the best balance of protection from dental caries while limiting the risk of dental fluorosis are available from the international literature. Assessment of these should have been more evident. There is a public health policy responsibility to monitor water fluoridation programs so as to achieve a near maximum reduction in dental caries without unacceptable levels of dental fluorosis. However, recommendations to alter existing policy need to be cognizant of the balancing of risk and protective exposures across the entire population and potentially all ages and to be based on recent data that are purposefully collected, critically analyzed and carefully interpreted.

Global water fluoridation: what is holding us back?

Artificial water fluoridation was introduced more than 60 y ago as a public health intervention to control dental caries. Despite wide recommendations for its use from the World Health Organization (WHO) and studies showing the benefits of water fluoridation, many countries have opted out. Currently, only 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia have schemes for artificial water fluoridation. The issues faced in efforts to promote the global uptake of water fluoridation and the factors that affect the decision to implement it are unique in both developed and developing countries and must be explored. This article addresses the benefits and challenges of artificial water fluoridation. Further, it tackles the complexities faced with uptake of water fluoridation globally, such as ethical and political controversies and the use of alternative fluoride therapies. Potential future strategies to encourage the uptake of artificial water fluoridation are also discussed.

Maintaining and improving the oral health of young children.

Oral health is an integral part of the overall health of children. Dental caries is a common and chronic disease process with significant short- and long-term consequences. The prevalence of dental caries for the youngest of children has not decreased over the past decade, despite improvements for older children. As health care professionals responsible for the overall health of children, pediatricians frequently confront morbidity associated with dental caries. Because the youngest children visit the pediatrician more often than they visit the dentist, it is important that pediatricians be knowledgeable about the disease process of dental caries, prevention of the disease, and interventions available to the pediatrician and the family to maintain and restore health.