Public Health · single question
Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for dental fluorosis?
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Correct answer: C. Bottled milk consumption
Bottled milk (formula made with bottled water) is NOT a recognized risk factor for fluorosis — milk itself does not contain significant fluoride, and bottled water without added fluoride has lower fluoride than fluoridated tap water. Risk factors FOR fluorosis include: age (6 months–8 years, when teeth are developing), total fluoride intake (fluoridated water + supplements + toothpaste ingestion), geographic region (naturally high fluoride areas), and race/ethnicity (some studies show differential prevalence). Bottled milk actually REDUCES fluorosis risk compared to formula made with fluoridated tap water.
- A. ❌ Race/ethnicity is a recognized epidemiologic variable in fluorosis prevalence studies.
- B. ❌ Age is a key risk factor — fluorosis only occurs during tooth development (before eruption).
- C. ✅ CORRECT – Bottled milk is NOT a risk factor for fluorosis; it does not contain significant fluoride levels.
- D. ❌ Fluoride supplement use IS a risk factor, especially when combined with fluoridated water.