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 = […]

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze whether socioeconomic conditions and the period of availability of fluoridated water are associated with the number of teeth present. METHODS This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1,720 adults between 20 and 59 years of age who resided in Florianópolis, SC, Southern Brazil, in 2009. The outcome investigated was the self-reported number of teeth present. The individual independent variables included gender, age range, skin color, number of years of schooling, and per […]

This paper aimed to analyze the fluoride concentration in drinking water, taking into account the balance between the benefits and risks to health, in order to produce scientific backing for the updating of the Brazilian legislation. Systematic reviews studies, official documents and meteorological data were examined. The temperatures in Brazilian state capitals indicate that fluoride levels should be between 0.6 and 0.9 mg F/l in order to prevent dental caries. Natural fluoride concentration of 1.5 mg F/l is tolerated for […]

This text systematizes available knowledge about the main dental health policies in Brazil in regards to their current degree of implementation and their impact on health inequalities. Although the fluoridation of publicly distributed water is legally mandated in Brazil, its implementation has been subject to marked regional inequalities. Data are presented about the extent of implementation for the intervention, and studies are reviewed that evaluate the intervention’s impact upon increasing inequality in the experience of dental caries. The provision of […]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among schoolchildren subjected to different fluoride concentrations in the public water supply of their cities. METHODS: The sample comprised 386 seven-year-old schoolchildren living in two municipalities in the State of São Paulo that practiced external control over the fluoridation of the water from 1998 to 2002: one with homogenous fluoride concentration and the other with oscillating concentration. Dental fluorosis was determined by dry examination of the upper permanent incisors using Dean’s index. […]

OBJECTIVE: To assess the fluoridation of the public water supply and compare these results with previous data. METHODS: The study was carried out from March 2004-2005 in Bauru, a city of Southeastern Brazil. Every month, on dates established randomly, 60 water samples were collected from the 19 supply sectors of the city, totaling 737 samples. The fluoride concentration in the water samples was determined in duplicate, using an ion-specific electrode (Orion 9609) coupled to a potentiometer. Following analysis, the samples […]

The feasibility of using common salt as a vehicle for fluorine in the combating of dental caries in Brazil is discussed. According to Colombian research, and the Brazilian experience with the similar method of salt iodation, this study concludes that salt fluoridation may be useful in limited areas and under strict control. Water fluoridation is the method most appropriate for Brazil which should concentrate its efforts on extending the use of this method as widely as possible.

With a view to bringing out some facts connected with the progress achieved in water fluoridation in the State of S. Paulo, Brazil, the paper quotes laws, decrees and other legal acts which form the basis for the spread of the method. The public agencies which are assisting in the implantation of fluoridation systems, are quoted and the action, covering 23.39% of all communities, which has been taken by them is discribed. The list of 145 communities fluoridated up to […]

Data of baseline and ten-year surveys of the prevalence of dental caries in children 3 to 14 years old, and young adults of 14 to 19, in Barretos (S. Paulo State, Brazil), were analysed to verify the reduction observed in caries in the primary and permanent teeth during the ten-year period of water fluoridation. The reduction in the prevalence of dental caries observed is similar to the ones obtained in the pilot studies in Brazil and other countries. In the […]

Data of baseline and sixteen year surveys of the prevalence of dental caries in children 5 to 14 years and adults of 15 to 24 in Barretos (S. Paulo State, Brazil), were analysed to verify the reduction observed during the sixteen year period of water fluoridation. The reduction in the prevalence of dental caries observed is similar to those obtained in other studies in Brazil and other countries. In the children 5 and 6 years old 66.1% were caries-free, in […]