Sources of drinking water in a pediatric population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the primary sources of water used for consumption and cooking by the patients of a university-based pediatric dental practice. METHODS: A simple, prewritten questionnaire-consisting of seven questions and available in English and Spanish-was conducted verbally with the caregivers of 123 pediatric patients during a designated timeframe. Analysis of responses included descriptive statistics and a chi-square test for a single proportion. RESULTS: Nonfiltered tap water accounted for the primary drinking water source in only 10 percent of the respondents. Firty-two percent of the respondents selected bottled water as the primary source of drinking water, and 24 percent selected vended water stations as a primary drinking water source. Nonfiltered tap water was much more likely to be utilized in cooking (58 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients in this study's pediatric dental practice do not consume fluoridated tap water. With the vast majority of the patients primarily consuming bottled or vended water, these patients are likely missing out on the caries-protective effects of water fluoridation.

Postdischarge events occurring after pediatric sedation for dentistry.

PURPOSE: To investigate postdischarge events occurring in children during the 24 hours following sedation for dentistry. METHODS: A convenience sample of 50 children undergoing sedation with combinations of midazolam, hydroxyzine, and meperidine were included. Parents received a standardized timesheet to record child's behavior, alertness, activity level, motor imbalance, emesis, and soft tissue trauma every two hours from discharge until bedtime. A questionnaire asked about transportation, supervision, and return to normal activity. Families were telephoned after 24 hours to collect the information. RESULTS: Sixty-six percent of children slept in the car; of these, 30 percent were supervised by only the driver, and 12 percent were difficult to awaken. Agitation was observed in 22 percent, restlessness in 10 percent, withdrawn behavior in 16 percent, and soft tissue trauma in 18 percent. Motor imbalance was significantly associated with midazolam (P=.002), as was restlessness (P=.004). Eighty-two percent slept between discharge and bedtime, with 16 percent sleeping for greater than four hours. Return to normal activity was greater than four hours in 36 percent, and was inversely correlated with age (P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Postdischarge sleepiness, drug-specific motor imbalance, sleep during transit, and recovery times greater than four hours were common and warrant vigilant adult supervision.

Survey of fluoride levels in vended water stations.

This study sought to measure the fluoride concentration of water derived from vended water stations (VWS) and to identify its clinical implications, especially with regard to caries prevention and fluorosis. VWS and corresponding tap water samples were collected from 34 unique postal zip codes; samples were analyzed in duplicate for fluoride concentration. Average fluoride concentration in VWS water was significantly lower than that of tap water (P < 0.001). Fluoride concentration in the VWS water ranged from <0.01 ppm to 0.04 ppm, with a mean concentration of 0.02 ppm (±0.02 ppm). Patients utilizing VWS as their primary source of drinking water may not be receiving optimal caries preventive benefits; thus dietary fluoride supplementation may be indicated. Conversely, to minimize the risk of fluorosis in infants consuming reconstituted infant formula, water from a VWS may be used.