Prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among 13- to 15-year-old school children of an area known for endemic fluorosis: Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess dental fluorosis and to compare fluorosis in incisor teeth among 13- to 15-year-old school children of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh.

Methods: Cross-sectional analytical study was conducted. A total of 1000 school children aged 13 to 15 years were selected by stratified cluster sampling from 4 different areas with different levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water. Fluorosis was recorded using TF index (TFI).

Results: Prevalence of fluorosis (TFI score, > or = 1) was 100% at all the 4 different fluoride levels. The prevalence and severity increased with increased fluoride levels in drinking water. Prevalence and severity of fluorosis did not show any significant variation between maxillary and mandibular incisor teeth.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of mild-to-moderate fluorosis in Nalgonda district, even in areas with optimal fluoride levels in water.