DENTAL FLUOROSIS AND THE PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES IN CHILDREN AGE ON 6-16

Abstract

Fluoride is a double edged sword. The fluoride produces a dosedependent effect on the dentition. However, this is not confined to increased
caries resistance. Fluoride causes various disorders, together called as
fluorosis, if accumulated above certain levels in the body. The aim of the
study is to assess the dental caries and dental fluorosis prevalence among 6
to 15-year-old school children. 50 school children in the age group of 6-16
years were selected for the study and were divided into six age groups. The
children were assessed for dental fluorosis according to Dean’s criteria Index
of Fluorosis , and dental caries according to WHO basic survey guidelines.
The overall health status of the child was assessed by DMFT index. The
results of the present study revealed that the prevalence of grade 2 fluorosis
was the highest and grade 5 fluorosis was the lowest in all the age groups.
Number of children was highest in the age group between 15-16 years
followed by the age group between 6-7 years. The overall DMFT increased
as the age of the children increased in the different age groups. The DMFT
increased as the severity of fluorosis increased upto grade 2 and then
decreased from grade 3 to grade 5. In conclusion, my findings showed that
the risk of dental fluorosis was significantly higher in the areas showing more
fluoride content in drinking water and to a lesser degree of dental caries in
the same area. There was also an increased problem of dental fluorosis with
the passage of time. It is recommended to reduce the fluoride content of
drinking water in the high fluoride area by making either alternative sources
available or providing water with reduced fluoride content.