Primary tooth fluorosis in 5-year-old schoolchildren in Ireland.

AIM This was to determine the prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis in the dentitions of 5-year-old schoolchildren. A subsidiary aim was to investigate whether an association existed between the presence of primary tooth fluorosis, fluoridation status, infant feeding practices or the oral hygiene practices of the child. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional and stratified by fluoridation status study. METHODS Fluorosis was recorded using a modification of the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Demographic data, information on infant feeding practices and oral hygiene practices were collected via a parental questionnaire. STATISTICS Stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Fluorosis prevalence in the fluoridated group (n=208) was 32%; 29.3% (n=61) had a modified TSIF score of 1; 2.4% (n=5) had a modified TSIF score of 2; and 1% (n=1) had a modified TSIF score of 5. In the non-fluoridated group (n=86) one child had a modified TSIF score of 1. Primary tooth prevalence of fluorosis in the entire sample (n=294) was 23%. Factors that were associated with primary tooth fluorosis were: fluoridation status (p= 0.0003, 95% CI = 5-281) and the age at which toothbrushing with toothpaste commenced (p = 0.016, 95% C.I. 1.1 - 3.8). No association with infant feeding practices was identified. CONCLUSION The overall prevalence of primary tooth fluorosis was 23%. Lifetime residence in a fluoridated area and commencement of toothbrushing with toothpaste between 12 and 18 months of age were associated with primary tooth fluorosis. No association with infant feeding practices was identified.