Prevalence of dental fluorosis in rural areas of Davangere, India

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and its relationship with fluoride levels in drinking water.

Design: Twelve villages with similar climate, diet, socioeconomic conditions and altitudes were selected from rural areas of Davangere district, Karnataka, India. The fluoride concentration in drinking water was estimated by the Ion Selective Electrode Method. Dean's Index was used to assess the dental fluorosis. Karl-Pearson coefficient for correlation and simple regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between the water fluoride levels and the community fluorosis index (CFI).

Results: The study group consisted of 1,131, 12-15-year-old school children. The fluoride levels in drinking water of selected villages were in the range of 0.22-3.41ppm. A stepwise increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis with corresponding increase in water fluoride content, 13.2% at 0.22ppm F to 100% at 3.41 ppm F, was found. There was a significant positive linear correlation (r=0.99) between CFI and water fluoride level.

Conclusion: Dental fluorosis is a major dental public health problem among children in Davangere district and is related to drinking water with 0.74ppm fluoride or above.