Children's Drinking Water: Parental Preferences and Implications for Fluoride Exposure

Authors: Sriraman, Natasha K.; Patrick, Patricia A.; Hutton, Kara; Edwards, Karen S.

Source: Pediatric Dentistry, Volume 31, Number 4, July/August 2009 , pp. 310-315(6)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

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Abstract:

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to: describe children's drinking water sources; determine if any demographic factors are associated with water choice; describe parents' reasons for selecting bottled water; and determine parents' ability to provide enough information about their drinking water for providers to assess children's fluoride exposure. Methods: Subjects were parents of children 6 months to 15 years old. A questionnaire was verbally administered in English or Spanish. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate associations among study variables. Results: Of 194 parents, 134 (69%) gave their children bottled water either exclusively or with tap water. Bottled water use was not significantly associated with the primary source of tap water, parent's education level, or household income. Reasons for giving children bottled water included: fear of contaminants in tap water; taste and/or smell of tap water; and convenience of bottled water. For parents using bottled water, over 65% did not know the brand's fluoride content. Conclusions: Barriers to an accurate fluoride assessment include frequent bottled water use and parental uncertainty about its fluoride content. By initiating communication with parents and educating them about fluoride sources, health care and dental providers may be able to better evaluate the adequacy of children's fluoride exposure and decide whether fluoride supplementation is necessary.

Keywords: CHILD; DENTAL CARIES PREVENTION AND CONTROL; FLUORIDE ADMINISTRATION AND DOSAGE; HEALTH EDUCATION; PUBLIC HEALTH

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2009-07-01

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Pediatric Dentistry is the official publication of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. It is published bi-monthly and is internationally recognized as the leading journal in the area of pediatric dentistry. The journal promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, case reports and abstracts of current pediatric dental research.
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Children's Drinking Water: Parental Preferences and Implications for Fluoride Exposure

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