Author: Hyma Moparthi, Moparthi, Student Dentist – Student Dentist, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Amir Mohajeri, Ph.D. – Research Associate, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: David Stewart, D.D.S. – Assistant Professor, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Weston Boyack, M.B.A. – Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Author: Man Hung, Ph.D. – Associate Dean for Research, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah Submitter: Hyma Moparthi, Moparthi, Student Dentist – Student Dentist, Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South
Objectives: The effects of fluoride on health have been widely researched, but the conclusions drawn from this body of research are still debatable. This study aimed to investigate whether the use of fluoride was associated with increased odds of poor health outcomes.
Methods: The study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017-2018. Inclusion criteria were defined as: participants aged 3-15 years old to receive fluoride drops or tablets. Weights were used to compensate for differential nonresponse rates, variable probabilities of selection, and possible deficiencies in sampling. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to estimate associations between fluoride use and health outcomes before and after adjusting for confounding variables.
Results: A total of 2,260 participants met the study criteria. The range of participants’ age was from 3 to 15 years old (mean (SD) = 8.78(3.64) years). Most of the population were male, non-Hispanic whites, and completed 5th grade. The mean ratio of income to poverty was 2.14 (SD=1.56). Compared to those who have not received fluoride drops or tablets, those who have received them are less likely to have diabetes, stomach or intestinal illness, and asthma. In contrast, poor general and dental health were associated with fluoride use.
Conclusion: Our study with a nationally representative population indicates that fluoride use was associated with increased odds of poor general and oral health and decreased odds of having diabetes, stomach or intestinal illness, and asthma. More research is necessary to assess the long-term effects of fluoride on health and educate dental faculty, staff, and students.
