Who Is at Risk for Enamel Fluorosis?

Children during the first eight years of life are especially vulnerable to enamel fluorosis, as their developing teeth are more sensitive to higher fluoride levels. Central incisors, the most visible teeth, are most susceptible to fluorosis - even as soon as four months after the 22nd month of life.

Although public drinking water is the main source of fluoride, in the 1980s, when the NIDR study was conducted, children were exposed to fluoride from multiple sources:

• water
• infant formula
• foods
• foods and drinks prepared with fluoridated water
• dietary fluoride supplements
• fluoride toothpaste

The researchers of the current study suggest that there are two public health implications based on their data:

1. Children younger than age 8 should receive fluoride according to their needs. For example, use of fluoride toothpaste should be supervised so that only a pea-sized amount is used.

2. A reevaluation is needed to assess whether the prevalence of enamel fluorosis today warrants a possible reduction in fluoride concentrations in water. Fluoride concentration in water may be the most controllable of all fluoride exposures. In addition, most overexposure to fluoride occurs in young children who are getting fluoride from sources in addition to fluoridated water, such as dietary supplements or ingested fluoridated toothpaste.

About Water Fluoridation

According to the CDC, approximately 162 million people, or almost two-thirds of the US population, now receive fluoridated water. This marks a 3.7 percent increase since 1992. Other statistics from the CDC include:

• Consuming fluids such as water, soft drinks, and juice makes up 75 percent of fluoride intake in the US.
  
  
• Water fluoridation costs 72 cents per person per year on average in the US.
  
  
• Of the 50 largest cities in the US, 43 are fluoridated.
  

Always consult your child's physician for more information.   

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