Prevalence of dental fluorosis in children from non-water-fluoridated Halmstad, Sweden: fluoride toothpaste use in infancy

Objectives. To determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in children aged 7–9 years from non-water-fluoridated Halmstad, Sweden, and to relate the results to their reported fluoride exposure history during infancy. Material and Methods. In Spring 2002, a questionnaire distributed to a cluster random sample of 1039 parents enquired into their child's early oral health behaviors and included a “photographic toothpaste menu”. The permanent upper anterior teeth (13–23) were examined clinically (+10% repeats) using a modified Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index. Results. Complete data were available for 53% (n=548) of the sampled children. The prevalence of fluorosis at any level was 49% (95% CI: 45–54%), and of fluorosis with esthetic concern (TF score ≥3) 4% (95% CI: 3–6%). Based on repeat observations, reliability was good (kappa=0.82). There was no statistically significant increased risk of dental fluorosis prevalence associated with any of the fluoride exposure risk factors examined, including repo...