External control of fluoridation in public water supply systems in the state of Goiás, Brazil. / Heterocontrole da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público em cidades do estado de Goiás, Brasil.

The addition of fluoride to the public water supply is a method used for reducing tooth decay. In this sense, the control of fluoridation is important for maintaining its efficiency and, at the same time, for avoiding the risk of fluorosis as a result of the consumption of water with excess of fluoride. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of fluoride levels in the water distributed to populations of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Towards this aim, 5,039 water samples collected between 2011 and 2013 in 225 municipalities of the state of Goiás were analyzed for fluoride level. The results were assessed with regard to season, type of water source and geographic location. Fluoride levels were found to vary between complete absence and 2.5 mg F/L, with 28.2% of the samples being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, and 39.1% between 0.55 and 0.84 mg F/L. The rainy season produced a greater number of atypical results and higher values than the dry period. The systems supplied by groundwater sources were shown to have a limited control of fluoride concentration compared to systems supplied by surface water sources. Lower concentrations of fluoride were found in samples collected in the North and East Mesoregions of Goiás, with less than 7.5% being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, which systems are mainly supplied by groundwater sources with fluoride addition .

A adição do flúor na água é um método empregado na redução de cárie dentária. O controle da fluoretação é importante para manter a sua eficiência e, ao mesmo tempo, evitar o risco de ocorrência de fluorose, fruto do consumo de água com flúor em excesso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adequação dos níveis do fluoreto na água distribuída à população do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram analisadas 5.039 amostras de água coletadas em 225 municípios de Goiás, entre 2011 e 2013. Os resultados foram analisados por sazonalidade, tipo de manancial e localização geográfica. Ocorreu uma variação entre ausência e 2,5 mg F/L, com 28,2% das amostras entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L e 39,1% entre 0,55 e 0,84 mg F/L. No período de chuva ocorreu um maior número de resultados atípicos e maiores valores quando comparados ao período da seca. Verificou-se que os sistemas abastecidos por água proveniente de mananciais subterrâneos possuem um menor controle de fluoreto quando comparados a sistemas provenientes de mananciais superficiais. Observou-se menores concentrações nas amostras coletadas no Norte e Leste goianos, com menos de 7,5% entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L, para aquelas coletadas de sistemas de abastecimento que utilizam água de manancial subterrâneo com adição de fluoreto, existindo dificuldades na manutenção dos seus teores.

Fluoride concentrations in salt marketed in Managua, Nicaragua.

Nicaraguan legislation has established that fluoride concentrations in salt should be 200-225 mg/kg, but no report describes fluoride concentrations in salt marketed in this country. We evaluated the fluoride concentrations in 33 packages of salt of 11 brands (n = 3 each) purchased in Managua, Nicaragua. According to the package information, 9 of the 11 brands were fluoridated. Six aliquots of each package were weighed (mean 2.5 ± 0.3 g; n = 198) and dissolved in 0.025 g/ml water. Duplicates of 1.0 ml of solutions prepared were buffered (1:1; v/v) with TISAB II. Fluoride concentrations were determined with ion-specific electrode, calibrated with standard solutions (0.25-16.0 µg F/ml) mixed (1:1; v/v) with TISAB II added to 0.025 g (p.a.) NaCl/ml. The mean (± standard deviation, n = 3) fluoride concentrations of two fluoridated brands were in accord with Nicaraguan law (209.8 ± 48.0 and 211.4 ± 26.0 mg F/kg), and those of five brands were below the mandated range (131.0 ± 34.3, 180.6 ± 12.3, 184.6 ± 34.8, 190 ± 47.2, and 199.0 ± 18.9 mg F/kg); two brands contained only traces of fluoride. The two non-fluoridated brands had traces of fluoride. The findings show that the surveillance system for the salt fluoridation program in Nicaragua should be improved, as most salt analyzed violated the requirements of the national legislation.

Caries and fluoridated water in two Brazilian municipalities with low prevalence of the disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between exposure to fluoridated water and dental caries in a context of widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in Brazil, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study, of the census type, in the form of a double population-based epidemiological survey carried out in two municipalities of the state of São Paulo in 2014. The sample consisted of adolescents aged 11 and 12 years, exposed (n = 184) or not exposed (n = 128) to fluoridated water for at least five years. The populations studied lived in communities of the same geographic region and had small demographic size and similar socioeconomic classification, differing only in the exposure (Silveiras) or not exposure (São José do Barreiro) to fluoridated water. The experience, magnitude, and degree of polarization of dental caries in these populations were analyzed using the DMFT and SiC indexes, and the association was tested using Pearson's chi-square statistics and prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed to fluoridated water. RESULTS: Although caries experience (DMFT ≥ 1) was not associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square = 1.78; p = 0.18; α = 5%), a significant difference was observed in the magnitude with which the disease reached the population: the means of DMFT were 1.76 in those exposed and 2.60 in those not exposed and the means of SiC were 4.04 and 6.16, respectively. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of subjects with DMFT = 0, was different, being it higher (41.8%) in subjects exposed and lower (34.3%) in subjects not exposed. The prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed was 1.13, indicating little expressiveness in prevalence difference. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to fluoridated water implied lower mean values for the DMFT and SiC indexes, even in the presence of the concomitant exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease, and with a similar pattern of caries distribution in the populations analyzed.

Management of dental caries among children: a look at the cost-effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is the most prevalent non-communicative disease worldwide. Although the etiological factors are well known for years, reducing the number of decayed and missing teeth in children still remains as a barrier. Preventive and curative options are numerous but little is known about their economical advantages. Selecting the intervention that offers the best balance of effectiveness and financial resources becomes crucial in the current situation of budget restrictions worldwide. AREAS COVERED: This expert review summarizes available evidence on cost-effectiveness analyses of preventive and curative measures to manage dental caries in children. EXPERT COMMENTARY: Preventive measures have been more extensively studied than dental caries treatment. Only water fluoridation and tooth brushing are well-established as cost-effective preventive approaches. Despite the increasing number of cost analysis treatment studies in the literature, most of them focus on the cost description, with no correlation to the intervention effectiveness. There is a current need of well-designed and well-reported cost-effectiveness regarding dental caries management.

Fluoride concentrations in salt marketed in Managua, Nicaragua

Abstract Nicaraguan legislation has established that fluoride concentrations in salt should be 200-225 mg/kg, but no report describes fluoride concentrations in salt marketed in this country. We evaluated the fluoride concentrations in 33 packages of salt of 11 brands (n = 3 each) purchased in Managua, Nicaragua. According to the package information, 9 of the 11 brands were fluoridated. Six aliquots of each package were weighed (mean 2.5 ± 0.3 g; n = 198) and dissolved in 0.025 g/ml water. Duplicates of 1.0 ml of solutions prepared were buffered (1:1; v/v) with TISAB II. Fluoride concentrations were determined with ion-specific electrode, calibrated with standard solutions (0.25-16.0 μg F/ml) mixed (1:1; v/v) with TISAB II added to 0.025 g (p.a.) NaCl/ml. The mean (± standard deviation, n = 3) fluoride concentrations of two fluoridated brands were in accord with Nicaraguan law (209.8 ± 48.0 and 211.4 ± 26.0 mg F/kg), and those of five brands were below the mandated range (131.0 ± 34.3, 180.6 ± 12.3, 184.6 ± 34.8, 190 ± 47.2, and 199.0 ± 18.9 mg F/kg); two brands contained only traces of fluoride. The two non-fluoridated brands had traces of fluoride. The findings show that the surveillance system for the salt fluoridation program in Nicaragua should be improved, as most salt analyzed violated the requirements of the national legislation.

Caries and fluoridated water in two Brazilian municipalities with low prevalence of the disease / Cárie e água fluoretada em dois municípios brasileiros com baixa prevalência da doença

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between exposure to fluoridated water and dental caries in a context of widespread use of fluoride toothpaste in Brazil, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease. METHODS This is a cross-sectional observational study, of the census type, in the form of a double population-based epidemiological survey carried out in two municipalities of the state of São Paulo in 2014. The sample consisted of adolescents aged 11 and 12 years, exposed (n = 184) or not exposed (n = 128) to fluoridated water for at least five years. The populations studied lived in communities of the same geographic region and had small demographic size and similar socioeconomic classification, differing only in the exposure (Silveiras) or not exposure (São José do Barreiro) to fluoridated water. The experience, magnitude, and degree of polarization of dental caries in these populations were analyzed using the DMFT and SiC indexes, and the association was tested using Pearson's chi-square statistics and prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed to fluoridated water. RESULTS Although caries experience (DMFT ≥ 1) was not associated with exposure to fluoridated water (chi-square = 1.78; p = 0.18; α = 5%), a significant difference was observed in the magnitude with which the disease reached the population: the means of DMFT were 1.76 in those exposed and 2.60 in those not exposed and the means of SiC were 4.04 and 6.16, respectively. The degree of polarization, indicated by the percentage of subjects with DMFT = 0, was different, being it higher (41.8%) in subjects exposed and lower (34.3%) in subjects not exposed. The prevalence ratio between those not exposed and those exposed was 1.13, indicating little expressiveness in prevalence difference. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to fluoridated water implied lower mean values for the DMFT and SiC indexes, even in the presence of the concomitant exposure to fluoridated toothpaste, in a scenario of low prevalence of the disease, and with a similar pattern of caries distribution in the populations analyzed.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação entre a exposição à água fluoretada e cárie dentária, em contexto de uso generalizado de creme dental fluoretado no Brasil, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença. MÉTODOS Realizado estudo observacional transversal, de tipo censitário, na modalidade de duplo inquérito epidemiológico populacional, em dois municípios paulistas em 2014. Participaram adolescentes de 11 e 12 anos, imersos na sua condição de exposição (n = 184) ou não exposição (n = 128) à água fluoretada, há pelo menos cinco anos. As populações avaliadas residiam em comunidades da mesma região geográfica, de pequeno porte demográfico e com classificação socioeconômica similar, diferenciando-se apenas pela condição de exposição à água fluoretada (Silveiras) e de não exposição (São José do Barreiro). A experiência, a magnitude e o grau de polarização da cárie dentária nessas populações foram analisadas por meio dos índices CPOD e SiC e a associação foi testada empregando-se as estatísticas qui-quadrado de Pearson e razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos à água fluoretada. RESULTADOS Embora a experiência de cárie (CPOD ≥ 1) não tenha se associado com a exposição à água fluoretada (qui-quadrado = 1,78; p = 0,18; α = 5%), observou-se expressiva diferença na magnitude com que a doença atingiu a população: as médias CPOD foram de 1,76 em expostos e 2,60 em não expostos e as médias SiC foram de 4,04 e 6,16, respectivamente. O grau da polarização, indicado pela porcentagem de indivíduos com CPOD = 0, foi diferente, maior (41,8%) em expostos e menor (34,3%) em não expostos. A razão de prevalência entre não expostos e expostos foi de 1,13, indicando pouca expressividade na diferença das prevalências. CONCLUSÕES A exposição à água fluoretada implicou menores valores médios dos índices CPOD e SiC, ainda que em presença de exposição concomitante a dentifrício fluoretado, em cenário de baixa prevalência da doença e padrão similar de distribuição de cárie nas populações analisadas.

Heterocontrole da fluoretação da água de abastecimento público em cidades do estado de Goiás, Brasil / External control of fluoridation in public water supply systems in the state of Goiás, Brazil

Resumo A adição do flúor na água é um método empregado na redução de cárie dentária. O controle da fluoretação é importante para manter a sua eficiência e, ao mesmo tempo, evitar o risco de ocorrência de fluorose, fruto do consumo de água com flúor em excesso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a adequação dos níveis do fluoreto na água distribuída à população do estado de Goiás, Brasil. Foram analisadas 5.039 amostras de água coletadas em 225 municípios de Goiás, entre 2011 e 2013. Os resultados foram analisados por sazonalidade, tipo de manancial e localização geográfica. Ocorreu uma variação entre ausência e 2,5 mg F/L, com 28,2% das amostras entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L e 39,1% entre 0,55 e 0,84 mg F/L. No período de chuva ocorreu um maior número de resultados atípicos e maiores valores quando comparados ao período da seca. Verificou-se que os sistemas abastecidos por água proveniente de mananciais subterrâneos possuem um menor controle de fluoreto quando comparados a sistemas provenientes de mananciais superficiais. Observou-se menores concentrações nas amostras coletadas no Norte e Leste goianos, com menos de 7,5% entre 0,6 e 0,8 mg F/L, para aquelas coletadas de sistemas de abastecimento que utilizam água de manancial subterrâneo com adição de fluoreto, existindo dificuldades na manutenção dos seus teores.

Abstract The addition of fluoride to the public water supply is a method used for reducing tooth decay. In this sense, the control of fluoridation is important for maintaining its efficiency and, at the same time, for avoiding the risk of fluorosis as a result of the consumption of water with excess of fluoride. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of fluoride levels in the water distributed to populations of the state of Goiás, Brazil. Towards this aim, 5,039 water samples collected between 2011 and 2013 in 225 municipalities of the state of Goiás were analyzed for fluoride level. The results were assessed with regard to season, type of water source and geographic location. Fluoride levels were found to vary between complete absence and 2.5 mg F/L, with 28.2% of the samples being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, and 39.1% between 0.55 and 0.84 mg F/L. The rainy season produced a greater number of atypical results and higher values than the dry period. The systems supplied by groundwater sources were shown to have a limited control of fluoride concentration compared to systems supplied by surface water sources. Lower concentrations of fluoride were found in samples collected in the North and East Mesoregions of Goiás, with less than 7.5% being between 0.6 and 0.8 mg F/L, which systems are mainly supplied by groundwater sources with fluoride addition .

La caries dental en los niños: una deuda pendiente / Dental caries in children: an outstanding debt

La caries dental influye considerablemente en la salud general de la población infantil y en la evolución de su salud bucal. Si bien obedece a múltiples causas, más que un problema individual, es el resultado de factores estructurales y contextuales. Por ende, su atención requiere un abordaje integral y coordinado de profesionales de la salud, autoridades nacionales, instituciones académicas, asociaciones odontológicas y agentes multiplicadores, por medio de programas de educación, promoción y atención de la salud bucal desde temprana edad

Impact of caries and dental fluorosis on oral health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in schoolchildren receiving water naturally fluoridated at above-optimal levels.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of caries and fluorosis on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among schoolchildren living in areas with high concentrations of fluoride in water. METHODS: Five hundred and twenty-four schoolchildren (8-12 year olds) residing in rural communities in central Mexico were examined for oral hygiene, caries (International Caries Detection and Assessment System, ICDAS II), and fluorosis (Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index, TFI). OHRQoL was evaluated with the Child Perceptions Questionnaire for two age groups (CPQ8-10 and CPQ11-14). Generalized structural equation models were constructed for data analysis. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of caries was 88.5% and fluorosis 46.9%. In the group of 8-10 year olds, 48% of the children had advanced carious lesions in primary or permanent teeth (ICDAS ≥4), 22.6% had moderate/severe fluorosis, and 59.9% of children had an impact on OHRQoL. Schoolchildren with ICDAS ≥4 were more likely [OR = 1.75, (95% CI 1.34-2.28)] to suffer a negative impact on OHRQoL. In the group of 11-12 year olds, 19.9% of children had advanced carious lesions and 23.2% showed moderate/severe fluorosis; 67.3% of children reported had an impact on OHRQoL. Children 11-12 year olds with fluorosis (TFI ≥4) [OR = 2.39 (95% CI 2.12-2.69)], caries (ICDAS ≥4) [OR = 2.18 (95% CI 2.13-2.24)], and low brushing frequency [OR = 2.04 (95% CI 1.21-3.44)] were more likely to have deterioration on OHRQoL. CONCLUSION: A negative impact on OHRQoL was observed in children with caries and fluorosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Deterioration on OHRQoL found in children as a sequel of caries and fluorosis should be considered when designing health policies leading to prevention and effective health promotion programs and incorporated to clinical guidelines for timely dental treatment.

Comparação da experiência de cárie em moradores de dois municípios brasileiros com e sem a fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público / Comparison of caries experience in residents of two Brazilian municipalities with and without fluoridation of the public water supplies / La comparación de la experiencia de caries en los residentes en dos municipios brasileños con y sin la fluoración del abastecimiento público de agua

A fluoretação da água de abastecimento público é uma medida eficaz e de baixo custo para a prevenção da cárie dentária. Este artigo se baseia em um estudo que comparou a experiência de cárie entre dois municípios do Brasil, São Paulo e Manaus, na época, com e sem fluoretação de suas águas. O estudo utilizou dados do projeto SBBrasil 2010 que avaliou três índices para 2.176 indivíduos: ceo-d (dentição infantil com cárie, extraídos e obturados), CPO-D (quantidade de dentes cariados, perdidos e obturados em adultos)e SiC (Significant Caries Index, uma variação do CPO-D). Os resultados mostraram que os índices foram maiores em Manaus quando comparados com os de São Paulo, para indivíduos com 5 e 12 anos de idade e pertencentes à faixa de 15 a 19 anos. O município de São Paulo apresentou melhor condição de saúde bucal em crianças e adolescentes, e não houve diferença entre os índices para adultos e idosos, demonstrando que parte da população com acesso a água fluoretada foi beneficiada pelo método.

The public water supply fluoridation is an effective measure and is cost-effective in preventing tooth decay.This article bases on a study that compared the caries experience between two municipalities in Brazil, São Paulo and Manaus, at the time, with and without fluoridation of its water. The study used the projeto SBBrasil 2010 (SBBrazil project 2010) data that evaluated three indices for 2.176 individuals: dmft (decay, missing, filled teeth for primary dentition), DMFT (number of decayed, missing and filled in adults) and SiC(Significant Caries Index, a variation of DMTF). The results showed that the rates were higher in Manaus when compared to São Paulo, for 5 and 12 years old children and for young people who are 15 to 19 yearsold. The city of São Paulo showed better bucal health status in children and adolescents, and it was not found difference in indices for adults and the elderly, demonstrating that part of the population with access to fluoridated water was benefited by the method.

La fluoración del agua potable pública es una medida de bajo costo y eficaz en la prevención de la caries. Este artículo es basado en estudio que comparó las experiencias de caries entre dos municipios de Brasil, Sao Paulo y Manaos, en la ocasión, con y sin la fluoración de su agua. El estudio utilizó los datos del projeto SBBrasil 2010 (proyecto SBBrasil2010) que evaluó tres índices para 2.176 individuos: ceo-d (dientes delos niños con caries, extraídos y obturados), CPO-D (número de dientes cariados, perdidos y obturados en adultos) y SiC (Significant Caries Index, una variación de CPO-D). Los resultados mostraron que las tasas eran más altas en Manaos, en comparación con Sao Paulo, para individuos de 5 y 12 años de edad y para jóvenes entre 15 y 19 años. La ciudad de Sao Paulo mostró un mejor estado de salud bucal en niños y adolescentes, y no evidenció diferencias entre los adultos y los ancianos, lo que demuestra que parte de la población con acceso a agua fluorada se vio beneficiada por el método.

Comparative effectiveness of water and salt community-based fluoridation methods in preventing dental caries among schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of water and salt community-based fluoridation methods on caries experience among schoolchildren. METHODS: Data derived from two population-based oral health surveys of 12-year-old schoolchildren exposed to different community-based fluoridation methods were compared: artificially fluoridated water in Porto Alegre, South Brazil and artificially fluoridated salt in Montevideo, Uruguay. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, maternal education and oral hygiene were collected. Dental caries was defined according to the WHO criteria (cavitated lesions) and to the modified WHO criteria (active noncavitated lesions and cavitated ones). The association between community-based fluoridation methods and dental caries was modelled using logistic (caries prevalence) and Poisson regression (DMFT). Odds ratios (OR), rate ratios (RR), and the 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1528 in Porto Alegre and 1154 in Montevideo were examined (response rates: 83.2% and 69.6%, respectively). Adjusted estimates for caries prevalence and DMFT showed that schoolchildren from Porto Alegre were less affected by dental caries than their counterparts from Montevideo, irrespective of the criteria used. After adjusting for important characteristics, schoolchildren exposed to fluoridated salt had significantly higher likelihood of having caries (WHO criteria) than those exposed to fluoridated water (OR for prevalence=1.61, 95% CI=1.26-2.07; RR for DMFT=1.32, 95% CI=1.16-1.51). Similar differences were observed using the modified WHO criteria. CONCLUSION: Fluoridated water appears to provide a better protective effect against dental caries than fluoridated household salt among schoolchildren from developing countries.

Heterocontrole da fluoretação das águas de abastecimento público do Município de Canoas/RS / External control of fluoridation in public water supply of Canoas/RS

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a concentração de flúor presente na água de abastecimento público do município de Canoas/RS. Amostras da água de abastecimento foram coletadas em duplicatas por 8 meses em 22 diferentes pontos agrupados em três Estações de Tratamento (ETAs) da cidade. A medição da concentração de fluoreto foi realizada através do método eletrométrico. A análise das amostras coletadas no período avaliado demonstrou haver oscilação na concentração de flúor de acordo com os meses de coleta (de 0,185 a 1,605 ppm/L). Das amostras avaliadas, 96 (54,5%) estiveram inadequadas (< 0,6 ppm; > 0,9 ppm ) quanto à concentração de flúor presente. Das amostras inadequadas, a maioria apresentou concentração superior ao limite máximo de concentração aceitável para o padrão de potabilidade. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as 3 ETAs em relação à adequação da concentração de flúor (p < 0,001). A grande variação em relação à concentração de flúor presente em diferentes pontos de coleta, bem como a alta porcentagem de amostras com padrão inadequado de fluoretação revelam a necessidade de se implantar medidas de heterocontrole permanente para garantir efetividade da fluoretação das águas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of fluoride in public water supplies in Canoas/RS. Samples of drinking water were collected in duplicates for eight months on22 different points grouped into three water treatment plants of the city. The measurement of fluoride concentration was performed using the electrometric method. The analysis of samplescollected in the study period showed that there was oscillation in fluoride concentrations in accordance with the sampling months (from 0.185 to 1.605 ppm /L). Of the samples, 96 (54.5%)were inadequate (<0.6 ppm> 0.9 ppm) as the fluoride concentration. Of inadequate samples, the majority showed concentrations above the maximum acceptable concentration for drinking water standard. There was statistically significant difference among the three water treatment plantsregarding the suitability of the fluoride concentration (p <0.001). The large variation in relation to fluoride concentration as well as the high percentage of inadequate samples revealed the need to implement measures of external control to ensure continuous effectiveness of water fluoridation.

Reexamination of caries and fluorosis experience of children in an area of Jamaica with relatively high fluorosis prevalence.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to reexamine in 2006 caries and fluorosis experience among 5- to 6- and 11- to 12-year-olds (n = 789) in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, an area found to have a high prevalence of dental fluorosis in 1999. Mean (+/- SD) dmft/DMFT scores were 2.4 +/- 3.1 (n = 275) and 2.2 +/- 2.3 (n = 133), fluorosis prevalence (tooth surface index of dental fluorosis >0) of upper central incisors was 67% (n = 109) and 39% (n = 132) among 6- and 12-year-olds, respectively. Results indicate slightly reduced caries experience for 6-year-olds compared to 1999. Fluorosis prevalence was high particularly in 6-year-olds. Thus, risks and benefits from use of fluorides from multiple sources should be monitored carefully.