Data Collection
Parents were mailed the IFS questionnaires at 3- to 6-month intervals including a series of items concerning children's fluoride exposures and ingestion from various sources during the preceding time period or weeks. Information regarding the children's beverage intakes, breast-feeding patterns, general health/illnesses, and oral health behaviors was also obtained. Combined fluoride concentrations in water at home, school and childcare were individually determined for each subject from public, private well, and/or bottled water sources. Daily fluoride intake (mg) was estimated from water, beverages and selected foods, dietary fluoride supplements, and fluoride dentifrice based on parents’ responses to the series of questions. Parents’ responses were not validated, but reliability was assessed for selected questions [Levy et al., 1997, 1998].