Enamel mineralization disturbances in 12-year-old children with known early exposure to fluorides

Abstract

Enamel changes and caries experience were studied in 12-yr-old children (134) with a known early exposure to fluoride [F-] tablets and/or F- containing toothpaste. The influence of birth weight and breast-feeding period was also analyzed. A clinical intact enamel was found in 32% of the children. Enamel fluorosis was found in 45% and localized opacities or hypoplasias in 40%. Children who had consumed F- tablets for at least 12 mo. from the age of 6 mo. ran a 5.4-fold greater risk of developing enamel fluorosis than children with no such consumption. No such risk could be shown in childen who at 6 or 12 mo. of age started to use F- toothpaste. There was no statistically significant reduction in the prevalence of smooth surface caries or fillings in children with an exposure to F- tablets.