Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis after Fluoride-gel Treatments in a Low-fluoride Area

Abstract

The goal of the present investigation was to study whether periodic use of fluoride-gel treatments resulted in an increased prevalence of dental fluorosis. 269 children, from 14 to 16 years of age, who had received semi-annual or quarterly fluoride-gel treatments were examined for possible fluoride-induced enamel changes. Further, in order to determine the amount of fluoride retained during the gel treatment, the expectorate was analyzed in 18 younger children presently participating in the prophylaxis program. It was found that the retention of fluoride averaged 7.3 mg per treatment (up to 0.5 mg fluoride per kg body weight). An increased prevalence of dental fluorosis was not observed, even after up to five yearly treatments were given during tooth formation periods. The background prevalence of dental fluorosis in a low-fluoride area in Denmark is described.