Fluoridation Studies

New York study finds little difference in the quality of children’s teeth in Newburgh (fluoridated) and Kingston (non-fluoridated). 

But the children in Newburgh have about twice the rate of dental fluorosis. Newburgh was the “demonstration” city that launched fluoridation in the U.S. in May 1945. -”Recommendation for Fluoride Use in Children, A Review” by J.V. Kumar, D.D.S., M.P.H. and E.L. Green, D.D.S., M.P.H. (Reference 1), NY State Dental Journal 2/98, pp 40-47. –from Waste Not, March 1999 (315-379-9200).

Fluoride exposure and dental fluorosis in Newburgh and Kingston, New York: policy implications Kumar JV, Swango PA: Fluoride exposure and dental fluorosis in Newburgh and Kingston, New York: policy implications Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1999; 27: 171-80 © Munksgaard 1999.

Abstract –Objectives: This analysis was conducted to determine the changes in the effect of exposure to fluoridation and other sources of fluoride on dental fluorosis in children attending Newburgh and Kinston school districts in New York State. Methods: Data for this analysis were obtained from two surveys conducted in the 1986 and 1995 school years. Analyses were limited to 3,400, 7-14 year old lifelong residents of a fluoridated or a non- fluoridated community. Results:Children examined in 1996 were at higher risk for both questionable and very mild to severe dental fluorosis if they received fluoride from water or daily tablet use, or started brushing before the age of 2 years. The increase in risk from 1986 to 1995 was greater for African-American children. Conclusion: This analysis showed that the risk of developing dental fluorosis did not decline over time in these communities. Continuous exposure to water fluoridation had an observable effect on dental fluorosis. (For full study: write NYSDOH or phone 518-474-1961).