Amoxicillin use during early childhood and fluorosis of later developing tooth zones.

Author: Hong L, Levy SM, Warren JJ, Broffitt B.

Source: J Public Health Dent.

Year: 2011

Comment:

The researchers of this study conclude that antibiotic use of amoxicillin can potentially impact fluorosis and state, “Amoxicillin use during early childhood could be a risk factor in the etiology of fluorosis on late-erupting permanent tooth zones, but further research is needed."

Abstract / Excerpt:

“Objectives: Amoxicillin use has been reported to be associated with developmental defects on enamel surfaces. This analysis assessed the association between amoxicillin use and fluorosis on late-erupting permanent teeth.

Methods: As part of the Iowa Fluoride Study, subjects were followed from birth to 32 months with questionnaires every 3-4 months to gather information on fluoride intake and amoxicillin use (n = 357 subjects for this analysis). Permanent tooth fluorosis on late-erupting zones was assessed by three trained dentists using the fluorosis risk index (FRI) at approximately age 13. A case was defined as fluorosis if a subject had at least two FRI classification II zone scores of 2 or 3. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used, and relative risks (RRs) and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results: There were 113 cases and 244 controls. In bivariate analyses, amoxicillin use from 20 to 24 months significantly increased the risk of fluorosis on FRI classification II zones [44.2 percent versus 30.4 percent, [RR = 1.45, 95 percent confidence interval (CI) 1.05-2.04], but other individual time periods did not.  Multivariable logistic regression confirmed the increased risk of fluorosis for amoxicillin use from 20 to 24 months (OR = 2.92, 95 percent CI = 1.34-6.40), after controlling for otitis media, breast-feeding, and fluoride intake.

Conclusions: Amoxicillin use during early childhood could be a risk factor in the etiology of fluorosis on late-erupting permanent tooth zones, but further research is needed.”

Citation:

Hong L, Levy SM, Warren JJ, Broffitt B. Amoxicillin use during early childhood and fluorosis of later developing tooth zones. J Public Health Dent. 2011;71(3):229-35.