Preventive
Ryan Abdelrahim, DMD (she/her/hers)
Resident
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
University of Iowa
North Liberty, Iowa, United States
Amy Lesch, DDS, MS
Assistant Professor
University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Kecia S. Leary, DDS, MS
Clinical Professor
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess fluoride exposure from drinking water and toothpaste among low-income high-caries risk children attending the University of Iowa Infant Oral Health Program (IOHP). An additional purpose was to evaluate the relationship between fluoride source-specific exposures and child’s age/race/ethnicity, as well as caregiver’s education and socioeconomic status.
Methods: Secondary data from the first IOHP visit of 1024 children, 6-36 months of age, consisted of demographic, reported fluoride exposure, oral hygiene practices, and clinical variables were reviewed for a cross-sectional study. Simple and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted (alpha=0.05).
Results: Ninety-one percent of participating children had never been to a dentist before, 47.4% were female and 69.1% were non-White. It was found that 58% of the children were not exposed to fluoridated water (FW) and 62.8% did not use fluoridated toothpaste (FT). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that children not exposed to FW were more like to be younger (OR=0.98; P=.007), Black/African American (OR=2.88; P < 0.001) or be non-Black minority (OR=3.00; P < .001), not live with both parents (OR=1.52; P=.004) and have caregivers with no previous awareness of ECC (OR=1.71; P < .001). Further analysis revealed that those not exposed to FT were also more likely to be younger (OR=0.93; P < .001), White (OR=1.82; P=.002) or non-Black minority (OR=1.78; P=.002), in a single-child household (OR=1.73; P < .001), sporadically or never have their teeth brushed (OR=5.80; P < .001), and be classified as low-caries risk (OR=2.11; P < .001).
Conclusions: Education regarding the benefits of daily consumption of fluoridated water and use of fluoridated toothpaste should be targeted to caregivers of low-income young children.