The effect of water filter pitchers on the mineral concentration of tap water.

Objectives: To investigate the effect of water filter pitchers on the concentration of different minerals in tap water.

Methods: Nine water filter pitchers (A-I) were chosen based on consumer preferences and Amazon reviews. Each filter was tested for its ability to modify the concentrations of fluoride, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium in tap water.

Objective characterization of dental occlusal and fissure morphologies: Method development and exploratory analysis.

Objective: To develop clinically applicable methods to characterize occlusal topography and assess possible associations between morphology and caries incidence and development.

Design: In this retrospective clinical study, we evaluated caries presence and severity pre- and post-orthodontic treatment for first molars of 147 patients (384 teeth). These teeth were previously scanned using a clinical intraoral scanner, and the obtained digital elevation models were used to 1) analyze the 3D occlusal surface parameters (n = 384) and 2) quantitatively characterize the mandibular molars' (n = 166) fissure patterns using three novel methods.

An investigation into the potential anticaries benefits and contributions to mineral intake of bottled water.

Background: Bottled water has become the most consumed beverage in the United States. The authors aimed to inform the dental profession about the potential anticaries benefits of some bottled waters and to provide information about their possible contributions to fluoride, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium intakes.

Methods: The authors chose a convenience sample by purchasing all different bottled waters from the main supermarkets operating in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization and other enamel defects and associated sociodemographic determinants in Indiana.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in a cohort of school-aged children in Indiana.

Methods: A calibrated examiner screened eligible school-aged children for MIH and other enamel defects. The authors used the integrated Modified Developmental Defects of Enamel Index and the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry criteria to examine the permanent first molars, permanent incisors, and primary second molars.

Acceptance of Behavior Guidance Techniques Used in Pediatric Dentistry by Parents From Diverse Backgrounds.

. To investigate if parental background affects acceptance of behavior guidance techniques. .

Midwestern Latino caregivers' knowledge, attitudes and sense making of the oral health etiology, prevention and barriers that inhibit their children's oral health: a CBPR approach.

Background: Using community-based participatory research, the Health Protection Model was used to understand the cultural experiences, attitudes, knowledge and behaviors surrounding caries etiology, its prevention and barriers to accessing oral health care for children of Latino parents residing in Central Indiana.

Methods: A community reference group (CBPR) was established and bi-lingual community research associates were used to conduct focus groups comprised of Latino caregivers. Transcripts were analyzed for thematic content using inductive thematic analysis.

Fluoride in the diet of 2-years-old children.

Objectives: This study aimed to calculate the fluoride concentrations of commonly consumed foods and beverages for 2-years-old children utilizing market basket information for the US Midwest region.

Methods: Total Diet Study food lists were cross-referenced with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-What We Eat in America data to determine the foods and beverages to be included. Fluoride concentrations were determined using a modification of the hexamethyldisiloxane microdiffusion technique.

Relationship between enamel fluorosis severity and fluoride content.

Objectives: Enamel fluorosis is a hypomineralization caused by chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride during tooth development. Previous research on the relationship between enamel fluoride content and fluorosis severity has been equivocal. The current study aimed at comparing visually and histologically assessed fluorosis severity with enamel fluoride content.

Fluoride content of infant foods.

Excessive fluoride consumption during the first 2 years of life is associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis. Estimates of fluoride intake from various sources may aid in determining a child's risk for developing fluorosis. This study sought to assess the fluoride content of commercially available foods for infants, and to guide dentists who are advising parents of young children about fluoride intake.

Fluoride content in plaque solids and fluid after ingestion of fluoridated milk.

This study explored differences in dental biofilm solids and fluid fluoride after ingestion of NaF or Na2FPO3 in milk or non-fluoridated milk. Eighteen volunteers ingested 1 mg fluoride in 200 mL of milk or 200 mL of non-fluoridated milk. Biofilm samples were collected at baseline, 30, 60, and 240 min and biofilm solids and fluid were micro-analyzed for fluoride.

Retention of dental sealants placed on sound teeth and incipient caries lesions as part of a service-learning programme in rural areas in Mexico.

Background: Dental sealants are an effective treatment for the prevention and management of caries.

Objective: To determine the retention of sealants placed in a rural setting in Mexico as part of an international service-learning (ISL) programme and to determine associations between dental sealant's retention and caries diagnosis at the time of sealant placement.

Methods: Children aged 6-15 were examined for dental caries, received sealants by dental students as part of an ISL programme, and were re-examined 4, 2, or 1 years after placement to assess sealant survival.

An international, multidisciplinary, service-learning program: an option in the dental school curriculum.

Introduction: Many health professions students who treat Spanish-speaking patients in the United States have little concept of their culture and health related traditions. The lack of understanding of these concepts may constitute major barriers to healthcare for these patients. International service-learning experiences allow students to work directly in communities from which patients immigrate and, as a result, students gain a better understanding of these barriers.

Fluoride content of water used to reconstitute infant formula.

Objective: To assess the fluoride content of water used to reconstitute infant formula by a Latino population living in the Indianapolis, Indiana, area.

Background: Negligible as well as excessive fluoride can be detrimental to oral health. Estimates of fluoride intake and exposure for individuals may aid in the determination of their risk for developing dental fluorosis or caries.

Differences in exposure and biological markers of fluoride among White and African American children.

Objective: To determine differences in self-reported fluoride exposure and fluoride exposure biomarkers between two racial groups.

Methods: Questionnaires regarding fluoride exposure, urine and water collection kits were distributed to African American and White 7-14-year-old children. Children received a dental exam for fluorosis.

Development of a standardisation device for photographic assessment of dental fluorosis in field studies.

Purpose: This study evaluated the agreement between clinical and photographic assessment of dental fluorosis (DF) in 73 children during a field study, using portable equipment and a standardising device.

Materials And Methods: A dental exam was performed using the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis (TSIF). Photographs of the facial aspects of front teeth and from the occlusal aspect of the mandibular posterior teeth were taken.

Association between dental caries and pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objective: To establish the association between oral pathology and pneumonia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods: Thirty women with SLE, consecutively admitted for hospitalization because of pneumonia, and 60 noninfected controls with SLE (30 hospitalized and 30 ambulatory), matched by age, sex, and date of hospitalization to the cases, were enrolled. At entry, information about sociodemographic variables, traditional infection risk factors, SLE characteristics, treatment, and comorbidity was gathered by medical chart review.

Validity of screening tests for Sjögren's syndrome in ambulatory patients with chronic diseases.

Objective: To determine the validity of screening tests for Sjogren's syndrome (SS) in ambulatory patients with chronic diseases.

Methods: Three hundred randomly selected patients from the rheumatology and internal medicine clinics of a tertiary care center were assessed for SS according to the American-European Consensus Group criteria. During the screening phase, an interview, the European questionnaire for sicca symptoms, Schirmer-I test, and the wafer test were carried out in all patients.

Fluoride concentration of bottled water, tap water, and fluoridated salt from two communities in Mexico.

Aim: To determine fluoride levels in bottled water, tap water, and fluoridated salt from two communities in Mexico.

Design: Stratified random collection of water and salt samples from Mexico City and Veracruz, Mexico for fluoride analysis.

Methods: Samples were analysed using a combination fluoride ion-specific electrode.

Dental fluorosis and altitude: a preliminary study.

Purpose: Previous studies have reported higher dental fluorosis prevalence in high-altitude communities than in low-altitude communities. This investigation determined and compared dental fluorosis prevalence in populations of children living at high and low altitudes in Mexico.

Materials And Methods: Fluorosis prevalence was determined in 7 to 10-year-old children: 67 in Mexico City (2,240 m) and 71 in Veracruz (sea level).

Development of a questionnaire to measure perceptions of, and concerns derived from, dental fluorosis.

Objective: To develop a questionnaire in English and Spanish to measure concerns caused by children's (and their parents') perceptions of dental appearance.

Materials And Methods: The questionnaire addressed concerns in the physical, mental, and social domains, perceptions about discolourations and other oral conditions including tooth colour. Test-retest and internal reliability, and construct and criterion validity, were assessed as part of the development process.