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Guichon J, Nicolau B, Brandini M, Caron C, Mitchell I, D'Souza V. Letter to the editor regarding "Critical windows of fluoride neurotoxicity in Canadian children" by Farmus and colleagues. Environmental research, 111315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.111315. No fluoride neurotoxicity in Canadian children. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 254:115232. [PMID: 36693466 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Guichon
- Community Health Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Belinda Nicolau
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mario Brandini
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Caron
- Faculté de Médecine Dentaire, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Ian Mitchell
- Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Violet D'Souza
- Department of Dental Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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2
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Guichon JR, Cooper C, Rugg-Gunn A, Dickinson JA. Flawed MIREC fluoride and intelligence quotient publications: A failed attempt to undermine community water fluoridation. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2024; 52:365-374. [PMID: 38525812 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the evidence presented in a set of articles that use the Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study database to claim that community water fluoridation (CWF) is associated with harm to foetal and infant cognitive development. METHODS Critical appraisal of measurements and processes in the MIREC database, and articles derived therefrom. MIREC's cohort is approximately 2000 pregnant women recruited in 10 centres across Canada, 2008-2011, leading to measuring 512 children aged 3-6 years in six cities. Fluoride exposure was measured by city fluoridation status, self-reports and maternal spot urine samples. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) was measured using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III) by different assessors in each city. RESULTS MIREC's fluoride and IQ measurements are invalid and therefore cannot support the claim that CWF is associated with IQ decline in children. CONCLUSIONS The MIREC fluoride-IQ articles' results should be considered unacceptable for legal and policy purposes; other water fluoridation studies and systematic reviews show no effect of fluoridation on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet R Guichon
- Department of Community Health Sciences and Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Colin Cooper
- School of Psychology, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Andrew Rugg-Gunn
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - James A Dickinson
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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3
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Wei YL, Lin XC, Liu YY, Lei YQ, Zhuang XD, Zhang HT, Wang XR. Effects of water fluoridation on early embryonic development of zebrafish. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 270:115907. [PMID: 38176185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Fluoride has strong electronegativity and exposes diversely in nature. Water fluoridation is the most pervasive form of occurrence, representing a significant threat to human health. In this study, we investigate the morphometric and physiological alterations triggered by fluoride stimulation during the embryogenesis of zebrafish and reveal its putative effects of stage- and/or dose-dependent. Fluoride exhibits potent biological activity and can be extensively absorbed by the yolk sac, exerting significant effects on the development of multiple organs. This is primarily manifested as restricted nutrient utilization and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation, further leading to the accumulation of superoxide in the yolk sac, liver, and intestines. Moreover, pericardial edema exerts pressure on the brain and eye development, resulting in spinal curvature and reduced body length. Besides, acute fluoride exposure with varying concentrations has led to diverse teratogenic outcomes. A low dose of water fluoridation tends to induce abnormal development of the embryonic yolk sac, while vascular malformation is widely observed in all fluoride-treated groups. The effect of fluoride exposure on blood circulation is universally present, even in zebrafish larvae that do not exhibit obvious deformities. Their swimming behavior is also affected by water fluoridation, resulting in reduced activity and delayed reactions. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the monitoring of environmental quality related to water fluoridation and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Lan Wei
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Xin-Chen Lin
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Ying-Ying Liu
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China
| | - Yu-Qing Lei
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Xu-Dong Zhuang
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Hai-Tao Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Xin-Rui Wang
- College of Clinical Medicine for Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, China; Medical Research Center, Fujian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
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4
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Sprong C, Te Biesebeek JD, Chatterjee M, Wolterink G, van den Brand A, Blaznik U, Christodoulou D, Crépet A, Hamborg Jensen B, Sokolić D, Rauscher-Gabernig E, Ruprich J, Kortenkamp A, van Klaveren J. A case study of neurodevelopmental risks from combined exposures to lead, methyl-mercury, inorganic arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and fluoride. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 251:114167. [PMID: 37149958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We performed a mixture risk assessment (MRA) case study of dietary exposure to the food contaminants lead, methylmercury, inorganic arsenic (iAs), fluoride, non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), all substances associated with declines in cognitive abilities measured as IQ loss. Most of these chemicals are frequently measured in human biomonitoring studies. A component-based, personalised modified reference point index (mRPI) approach, in which we expressed the exposures and potencies of our chosen substances as lead equivalent values, was applied to perform a MRA for dietary exposures. We conducted the assessment for four different age groups (toddlers, children, adolescents, and women aged 18-45 years) in nine European countries. Populations in all countries considered exceeded combined tolerable levels at median exposure levels. NDL-PCBs in fish, other seafood and dairy, lead in grains and fruits, methylmercury in fish and other seafoods, and fluoride in water contributed most to the combined exposure. We identified uncertainties for the likelihood of co-exposure, assessment group membership, endpoint-specific reference values (ESRVs) based on epidemiological (lead, methylmercury, iAs, fluoride and NDL-PCBs) and animal data (PBDE), and exposure data. Those uncertainties lead to a complex pattern of under- and overestimations, which would require probabilistic modelling based on expert knowledge elicitation for integration of the identified uncertainties into an overall uncertainty estimate. In addition, the identified uncertainties could be used to refine future MRA for cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinne Sprong
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - Jan Dirk Te Biesebeek
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mousumi Chatterjee
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Gerrit Wolterink
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Annick van den Brand
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Urska Blaznik
- National Institute of Public Health, Environmental Health Centre, Trubarjeva 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Amélie Crépet
- ANSES, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Risk Assessment Department, Methodology and Studies Unit, 947001, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Bodil Hamborg Jensen
- Technical University of Denmark, National Food Institute, Research group for Chemical Risk Assessment and GMO, Kemitorvet, Building 201, DK 2800, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Darja Sokolić
- HAPIH, Croatian Agency for Agriculture and Food, Vinkovačka cesta 63C, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Elke Rauscher-Gabernig
- AGES, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jiri Ruprich
- National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Centre for Health, Nutrition and Food, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andreas Kortenkamp
- Brunel University London, Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, Uxbridge, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob van Klaveren
- RIVM, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PO Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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5
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Kumar JV, Moss ME, Liu H, Fisher-Owens S. Association between low fluoride exposure and children's intelligence: a meta-analysis relevant to community water fluoridation. Public Health 2023; 219:73-84. [PMID: 37120936 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous meta-analyses have mainly focused on studies conducted in endemic fluorosis areas with relatively high fluoride concentrations. These are impoverished rural communities in China, India, and Iran, and the findings cannot be generalised to developed countries. Therefore, we investigated the association between fluoride concentrations relevant to community water fluoridation and children's cognition measured with IQ scores by synthesising effect sizes reported in observational studies. METHODS A previous meta-analysis and the National Toxicology Program database that included a search of multiple databases and the authors' search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Mendeley provided the data. Cross-sectional and cohort studies examining the association between fluoride and children's cognition and intelligence scores were selected. Two reviewers abstracted data using standard procedures. We performed three meta-analyses to synthesise the effects using the random effects models. RESULTS Eight studies of standardized mean difference in IQ scores from non-endemic fluorosis areas found no statistically significant difference between recommended and lower levels of fluoride (standardized mean difference = 0.07; 95% confidence interval: -0.02, 0.17; I2 = 0%), and no significant fluctuation in IQ scores across the differences in fluoride concentrations by non-linear modeling with restricted cubic spline (P = 0.21). Meta-analyses of children's and maternal spot urinary fluoride associated pooled regression coefficients (Betachildren = 0.16; 95% confidence interval: -0.40, 0.73; P = 0.57; I2 = 0%, Betamaternal = -0.92; 95% CI: -3.29, 1.46; P = 0.45; I2 = 72%) were not statistically significant. Further regression analysis by standardizing absolute mean IQ scores from lower fluoride areas did not show a relationship between F concentration and IQ scores (Model Likelihood-ratio test: P-value = 0.34.) CONCLUSIONS: These meta-analyses show that fluoride exposure relevant to community water fluoridation is not associated with lower IQ scores in children. However, the reported association observed at higher fluoride levels in endemic areas requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanth V Kumar
- California Department of Public Health, MS 7208, 1616 Capitol Ave, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.
| | - Mark E Moss
- ECU School of Dental Medicine, 1851 MacGregor Downs Road - MS 701, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834-4354, USA
| | - Honghu Liu
- Public and Population Health, School of Dentistry, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA 90095, USA
| | - Susan Fisher-Owens
- School of Medicine and School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco, 1001 Potrero Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
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Radovanović J, Antonijević B, Ćurčić M, Baralić K, Kolarević S, Bulat Z, Đukić-Ćosić D, Buha Djordjević A, Vuković-Gačić B, Javorac D, Antonijević Miljaković E, Carević M, Mandinić Z. Fluoride subacute testicular toxicity in Wistar rats: Benchmark dose analysis for the redox parameters, essential elements and DNA damage. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 314:120321. [PMID: 36191801 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Excessive fluoride (F-) levels in the environment could induce different pathological changes, including comorbidities in reproductive functions. Hence, the aim of the present in vivo study was to explore F- subacute toxicity mechanisms via Benchmark dose (BMD) methodology on rat's testicles. The experiment was conducted on thirty male Wistar rats for 28 days, divided into six groups (n = 5): 1) Control (tap water); 2) 10 mg/L F-; 3) 25 mg/L F-; 4) 50 mg/L F-; 5) 100 mg/L F-; 6) 150 mg/L F-. Testicles were dissected out and processed for the determination of F- tissue concentrations, redox status parameters, essential elements level, and DNA damage. PROASTweb 70.1 software was used for determination of external and internal dose-response relationship. The results confirmed a significant increase in superoxide anion (O2.-), total oxidative status (TOS), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), DNA damage levels, and decrease in superoxide dismutase activity (SOD1) and total thiol (SH) groups. The dose-dependent changes were confirmed for SOD1 activity and DNA damage. The most sensitive parameters were SOD1 activity and DNA damage with the lowest BMDLs 0.1 μg F-/kg b. w. Since human and animal populations are daily and frequently unconsciously exposed to F-, this dose-response study is valuable for further research regarding the F- health risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Radovanović
- Clinic for Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia; Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, "Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences-National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Biljana Antonijević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Ćurčić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katarina Baralić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Stoimir Kolarević
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", National Institute of Republic of Serbia, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorica Bulat
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Đukić-Ćosić
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Buha Djordjević
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Branka Vuković-Gačić
- Faculty of Biology, Chair of Microbiology, Center for Genotoxicology and Ecogenotoxicology, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Javorac
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Evica Antonijević Miljaković
- Department of Toxicology "Akademik Danilo Soldatović", University of Belgrade-Faculty of Pharmacy, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Momir Carević
- Clinic for Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran Mandinić
- Clinic for Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
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Balasubramanian S, Perumal E. A systematic review on fluoride-induced epigenetic toxicity in mammals. Crit Rev Toxicol 2022; 52:449-468. [PMID: 36422650 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2022.2122771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fluoride, one of the global groundwater contaminants, is ubiquitous in our day-to-day life from various natural and anthropogenic sources. Numerous in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies are conducted to understand the effect of fluoride on biological systems. A low concentration of fluoride is reported to increase oral health, whereas chronic exposure to higher concentrations causes fluoride toxicity (fluorosis). It includes dental fluorosis, skeletal fluorosis, and fluoride toxicity in soft tissues. The mechanism of fluoride toxicity has been reviewed extensively. However, epigenetic regulation in fluoride toxicity has not been reviewed. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge regarding fluoride-induced epigenetic toxicity in the in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological studies in mammalian systems. We examined four databases for the association between epigenetics and fluoride exposure. Out of 932 articles (as of 31 March 2022), 39 met our inclusion criteria. Most of the studies focused on different genes, and overall, preliminary evidence for epigenetic regulation of fluoride toxicity was identified. We further highlight the need for epigenome studies rather than candidate genes and provide recommendations for future research. Our results indicate a correlation between fluoride exposure and epigenetic processes. Further studies are warranted to elucidate and confirm the mechanism of epigenetic alterations mediated fluoride toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ekambaram Perumal
- Molecular Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
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8
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Zohoori FV, Buzalaf M. Fluoride. Adv Nutr 2022; 13:2679-2680. [PMID: 35639821 PMCID: PMC9776704 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marilia Buzalaf
- Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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9
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Burgette JM, Dahl ZT, Yi JS, Weyant RJ, McNeil DW, Foxman B, Marazita ML. Mothers' Sources of Child Fluoride Information and Misinformation From Social Connections. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e226414. [PMID: 35363267 PMCID: PMC8976236 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.6414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Fluoride delivered either topically (eg, fluoride varnish) or systemically (eg, water fluoridation, prescription fluoride supplements) is widely used as a caries preventive agent in children. The widespread existence of misinformation, including inaccurate information that attaches negative values or suspicion to fluoride treatments, raises concerns that misinformation will lead to underutilization of fluoride and contribute to avoidable increases in caries prevalence. OBJECTIVE To describe the social relationships from which mothers obtain child fluoride information and misinformation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This qualitative study analyzed 126 mothers with children aged 3 to 5 years to explore how their social networks were associated with their child's oral health. Mothers were recruited from community-based sites in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and throughout the state of West Virginia from 2018 to 2020. In-person, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted. Data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using Nvivo 12. Three investigators analyzed data using template analysis, a qualitative technique that combines inductive and deductive approaches to identify patterns until primary themes are identified. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Sources of information regarding fluoride from the mother's social relationships. RESULTS Of the 126 mothers with children aged 3 to 5 years in Pittsburgh and West Virginia, 120 (95%) identified as non-Hispanic White and 5 (4%) identified as Hispanic White; 38 (30%) had a bachelor's degree, 77 (61%) had private dental insurance for their child, and 52 (41%) had an income less than $50 000; 82 (65%) reported that they discussed child fluoride information with members of their social network. Mothers described that they obtained fluoride information from family members, health care clinicians, and community members. The receipt of inconsistent child fluoride information from multiple sources resulted in confusion and difficulty assessing whether fluoride information was accurate. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This qualitative study found that mothers received inconsistent child fluoride information from multiple sources, which resulted in confusion and difficulty assessing the accuracy of the fluoride information. These findings suggest that social relationships can be a potential target for interventions to communicate fluoride information related to children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Burgette
- Departments of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Zelda T. Dahl
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Janice S. Yi
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Dental Hygiene, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert J. Weyant
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel W. McNeil
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Psychology, Eberly College of Arts & Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown
- Dental Public Health and Professional Practice, School of Dentistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown
| | - Betsy Foxman
- Center for Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Mary L. Marazita
- Center for Oral Health Research in Appalachia, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Clinical and Translational Science, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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10
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Meyer J, Margaritis V, Jacob M. The Impact of Water Fluoridation on Medicaid-Eligible Children and Adolescents in Alaska. JOURNAL OF PREVENTION (2022) 2022; 43:111-123. [PMID: 35048263 DOI: 10.1007/s10935-021-00656-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Juneau, Alaska, ceased community water fluoridation (CWF) in 2007, and previous research found a substantial increase in dental caries-related procedures and treatment costs for children from low-income families in Juneau between 2003 and 2012. We collected comparable dental caries-related procedures and treatment cost data for the same years for children in Anchorage, Alaska, where CWF has been continuously maintained. This retrospective study analyzed all Medicaid dental claims records in two separate years for caries-related procedures and associated costs among children (aged 0 to 18 years) residing in Anchorage's 99502 zip code and compared these records to data from Juneau. We obtained descriptive statistics and conducted bivariate analyses and binomial logistic regression. Between 2003 and 2012, children in Anchorage experienced a nonsignificant modest decrease in the mean number of caries-related procedures and only small, statistically nonsignificant changes to the mean inflation-adjusted service costs of caries-related restorative care. The lack of significant change in child dental caries-related procedures and treatment costs in Anchorage between 2003 and 2012 contrasted with the substantial increase in caries-related procedures and treatment costs over the same period in Juneau. Our results are consistent with previous research that has demonstrated a significant protective effect of CWF against dental caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Meyer
- Assistant Professor of Public Health, College of Health, Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, 99508, USA.
| | - Vasileios Margaritis
- Senior Core (FT) Faculty Member, School of Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Walden University, 100 Washington Ave. South. Suite 900, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, USA
| | - Matt Jacob
- Jacob Strategies LLC, 2311 Connecticut Avenue NW #205, Washington, DC, 20008, USA
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