Buzalaf, M. A. R.Massaro, C. S.Rodrigues, M. H. C.Fukushima, R.Pessan, Juliano Pelim [UNESP]Whitford, G. M.Sampaio, F. C.2013-09-302014-05-202013-09-302014-05-202012-01-01Caries Research. Basel: Karger, v. 46, n. 4, p. 394-400, 2012.0008-6568http://hdl.handle.net/11449/15485The aim of this study was to validate the use of fingernail fluoride concentrations at ages 2-7 years as predictors of the risk for developing dental fluorosis in the permanent dentition. Fifty-six children of both genders (10-15 years of age) had their incisors and premolars examined for dental fluorosis using the Thylstrup-Fejerskov index. Fingernail fluoride concentrations were obtained from previous studies when children were 2-7 years of age. Data were analyzed by unpaired t test, ANOVA, and Fisher's exact test when the fingernail fluoride concentrations were dichotomized (<= 2 or > 2 mu g/g). Children with dental fluorosis had significantly higher fingernail fluoride concentrations than those without the condition, and the concentrations tended to increase with the severity of fluorosis (r(2) = 0.47, p < 0.0001). Using a fingernail fluoride concentration of 2 mu g/g at ages 2-7 years as a threshold, this biomarker had high sensitivity (0.84) and moderate specificity (0.53) as a predictor for dental fluorosis. The high positive predictive value indicates that fingernail fluoride concentrations should be useful in public health research, since it has the potential to identify around 80% of children at risk of developing dental fluorosis. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel394-400engBiomarkerDental fluorosisFingernailFluorideArtigo10.1159/000339088WOS:000305636200008Acesso restrito