The Effect of Fluoride in the Prevention of Dental Caries  and Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among High and Low  Fluoridated Areas of Tamilnadu-A Cross Sectional Survey

Authors

Anisha 1, M. Vishali2 , D. Prabu3 , Sunayana Manipal4 , Rajmohan5 , Bharatwaj6 , Prashanthy7

Dental caries, Dental Fluorosis, high and low water fluoride level.

Aim: To analyze the effect of fluoride in the prevention of dental caries and prevalence of dental fluorosis in

high and low fluoridated areas. Material and Method: Dean’s fluorosis index (1942)-modified was used to

analyze the severity and prevalence of dental fluorosis and the caries prevalence was assessed using DMFS

index (1931). The school students of age 12-16 years belonging to Chennai and Vellore areas were included

in the study. A total of 400 students were examined in which 200 students belongs to Chennai and other

200 students belongs to Vellore representing low fluoridated area (LFA) and high fluoridated areas (HFA)

respectively. Results: In the LFA the mean value of DMFS was found to be 0.805, hence it was notably

greater than the mean DMFS of HFA which was 0.335. The mean Dean’s Fluorosis score of LFA was found

to be 0.005 which was significantly lower than mean value of Dean’s fluorosis at HFA which was 0.7425.

Conclusion: Mild increase in concentration of fluoride level in drinking water will decrease the incidence of

dental caries in adolescents. Optimal fluoride levels in drinking water looks to be successful in decreasing

caries outcome with low risk of dental fluorosis.