Impact of Stopping Fluoride from Water and Toothpaste on Children's Urine
Author Information
Author(s): Martins Carolina C., Paiva Saul M., Cury Jaime A.
Primary Institution: Federal University of Minas Gerais
Hypothesis
How does the discontinuation of fluoride intake from water and toothpaste affect urinary fluoride excretion in young children?
Conclusion
The study found that fluoride levels in children's urine quickly drop after stopping fluoride intake and rise again after reintroducing it.
Supporting Evidence
- Fluoride excretion was 0.25 mg F/day at baseline and dropped to 0.14 mg F/day during fluoride interruption.
- After re-exposure, fluoride excretion rose to 0.21 mg F/day and 0.19 mg F/day on subsequent days.
- The difference in urinary fluoride excretion between baseline and the interruption period was statistically significant.
Takeaway
When kids stop using fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water, the fluoride in their pee goes down fast, but it comes back up quickly when they start using it again.
Methodology
The study involved collecting 24-hour urine samples from children at different stages: baseline with fluoride intake, during a 28-day fluoride interruption, and after reintroducing fluoride.
Potential Biases
The convenience sampling method may introduce bias, and the study was conducted under conditions of sub-optimally fluoridated drinking water.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and limited follow-up after re-establishing fluoride intake.
Participant Demographics
Eleven healthy children aged two to four years, with six girls and five boys, from Ibiá, Brazil.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.013
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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