Changes in dental fluorosis and dental caries in Newburgh and Kingston, New York

Am J Public Health. 1998 Dec;88(12):1866-70. doi: 10.2105/ajph.88.12.1866.

Abstract

Objectives: This study sought to determine whether the prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries had changed in a fluoridated community and a nonfluoridated community since an earlier study conducted in 1986.

Methods: Dental fluorosis and dental caries data were collected on 7- to 14-year-old lifelong residents (n = 1493) of Newburgh and Kingston, NY.

Results: Estimated dental fluorosis prevalence rates were 19.6% in Newburgh and 11.7% in Kingston. The greatest disparity in caries scores was observed between poor and nonpoor children in nonfluoridated Kingston.

Conclusions: The prevalence of dental fluorosis has not declined in Newburgh and Kingston, whereas the prevalence of dental caries has continued to decline.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Dental Caries / epidemiology*
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Dental Health Surveys
  • Female
  • Fluoridation / adverse effects*
  • Fluorosis, Dental / epidemiology*
  • Fluorosis, Dental / etiology
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Population Surveillance
  • Poverty
  • Prevalence
  • Sampling Studies
  • Urban Health