Abstract
Objectives To investigate whether the regular use of fluoride supplements in non-fluoridated communities during the period of tooth development increases the risk of dental fluorosis.
Data sources Medline search 1966–Sept 1997 (English only papers) using following key words: fluorosis, dental, fluoride, fluoride supplement or supplements, drop or drops, and tablet or tablets.
Study selection Twenty-four studies that assessed the development of dental fluorosis in children who had used fluoride supplements were identified. Ten cross-sectional/case control studies and four follow-up studies had data that allowed a quantitative estimation of the risk of developing dental fluorosis in users of fluoride supplements. Ten studies were excluded.
Results A consistent and strong association between the use of fluoride supplements and dental fluorosis was found. Meta-analyses of the cross-sectional/case-control studies estimated the odds ratio of dental fluorosis in users of fluoride supplements between 2.1 and 2.3 (95% C.I. 1.5–3.4).
Conclusions In non-fluoridated communities, the use of fluoride supplements during the first 6 years of life is associated with a significant increase in the risk of developing a very mild to mild type of dental fluorosis.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Ismail AT, Bandekar RE. Fluoride supplements and fluorosis: a meta-analysis. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1999; 27: 48–56
Address for reprints: Amid Ismail, Department of Cariology, School of Dentistry, The University of Michigan, 1011 N. University, D2347, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
O'Mullane, D. Fluoride supplements useful but increase the risk of mild fluorosis. Evid Based Dent 2, 16 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400012
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400012