Prevalence and severity of dental caries and dental fluorosis among 12 year old school children in areas with varying levels of fluoride ion concentration in drinking water of Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of dental caries and dental fluorosis in areas with varying levels of fluoride in their drinking water in Prakasam District of Andhra Pradesh. Material & Methods: Atotal of2401,12 year old school children were examined, dental caries experience was recorded using Decayed, missing and filled surfaces [DMF (S)] index and dental fluorosis was recorded using Tooth Surface Index for Fluorosis [TSIF index]. Drinking water samples were collected and analysed for the level of fluoride ion and the areas were classified into below optimal, optimal and above optimal areas according to World Health Organization [WHO] recommendations. Results : Number of children with dental caries was 917 accounting to a prevalence of 3 8.19%, with a mean Decayed Missing and filled surfaces [DMF(S)] of 1.12 ΁ 0.79. The mean DMF(S) scores were found to be statistically insignificant amongst the various socio demographic variables. It was found that the occlusal surfaces was the most commonly affected. The number of children with dental fluorosis (e one tooth surface affected) was 1085 accounting to a prevalence of 45%.It was found that males had an odds ratio [OR] of 1.53 (95% C l 1.24 - 1.53) compared to females. Scores in the categories of 1 -3 which represent various degrees of whitish discoloration were the most common scores in this study. Conclusion: Dental caries was found to be insignificant with the socio demographic factors studied in this study as well as to the levels of fluoride in drinking water. Dental fluorosis was directly associated with the fluoride level in drinking water.