Abstract
Abstract Introduction Fluoridation of public water supply is an important measure in the prevention of dental caries. Objective This study aimed to monitor the fluoride (F) concentrations of a public water supply with water fluoridation program in a small municipality in the Northeast region of Brazil. Material and method It is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach. Three points of the urban area were selected for collecting water samples twice a month for 12 months. The average of F concentrations was calculated considering these three samples of each collection point at the same occasion. F concentrations in the water samples were determined by potentiometry and the results were classified according to the criterion proposed by criterion set down by Collaborating Center of the Brazilian Ministry of Health for Oral Health Surveillance. The samples were classified according to the best risk-benefit adjustment (0.55 – 0.84 mg F /L). Result Less than 10% of the samples were within the ideal range. Conclusion It was observed that water fluoridation in this municipality was interrupted since many water samples showed f-levels below the minimal acceptable values.
Highlights
Fluoridation of public water supply is an important measure in the prevention of dental caries
This is a quantitative study with a descriptive approach carried out in a small municipality, located 84 km from the capital of Paraíba, João Pessoa, in the micro-region of Guarabira
The fluoridation of public water supply in the research scenario has been carried out since 2006, using sodium fluosilicate (Na2SiF6), taking into account the local average annual temperature which is between 26.7°C and 32.5°C
Summary
Fluoridation of public water supply is an important measure in the prevention of dental caries. Fluoridation of public water supply is one of the most effective methods for preventing and controlling dental caries prevalence. It has a wide collective coverage and it is regarded as a safety method when adequate concentrations of fluoride are presented in the drinking water[1]. The importance of adding fluoride to public water systems has been statistically proven for over 60 years. It is considered a health strategy with great social impact.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
