Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis and associated Risk Factors in Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India.

Taranatha Mahantesha,Devasya Ashwin,Ramesh P Nayakar,Vijaya P Kamavaram Ellore,Uma B Dixit

doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1373

Abstract

IntroductionAn earlier epidemiological study by these authors revealed fluorosis at very low levels of fluoride concentrations in drinking water.AimThe objective of present study was to investigate risk factors of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth in the villages of northern Karnataka, India.Materials and methodsThe present survey was carried out in three villages of Hungund Taluk, Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India, with the fluoride concentration of 0.136, 0.381, and 1.36 ppm. Children aged between 9 and 15, with permanent teeth, were examined for dental fluorosis using Dean’s index, as per WHO criteria. Required relevant information regarding risk factors was obtained through a questionnaire.Statistical analysisData entry and analysis were performed using SPSS for Windows 16.0. Comparison of means of different indices by the three groups was performed using ANOVA and t-test (p < 0.05). Bivariate analysis was performed to identify significant risk factors that affected prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis. Those variables showing a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) on χ2 were entered into multiple logistic regressions to assess their independent effects.ResultsIn this study, we analyzed risk factors for both prevalence and severity of fluorosis. From multiple logistic regression analysis, only fluoride concentration in drinking water was found significant with prevalence of fluorosis and only nutritional status showed significant association with severity of fluorosis.ConclusionPresence or absence of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth was significantly associated with fluoride concentration in drinking water. Once present, its severity was determined by nutritional status of the children - malnourished children exhibiting severe form of fluorosis.How to cite this articleMahantesha T, Dixit UB, Nayakar RP, Ashwin D Ramagoni NK, Ellore VPK. Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis and associated Risk Factors in Bagalkot District, Karnataka, India. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):256-263.

Highlights

An earlier epidemiological study by these authors revealed fluorosis at very low levels of fluoride concentrations in drinking water
From multiple logistic regression analysis, only fluoride concentration in drinking water was found significant with prevalence of fluorosis and only nutritional status showed significant association with severity of fluorosis
Presence or absence of dental fluorosis in permanent teeth was significantly associated with fluoride concentration in drinking water

Summary

Introduction

An earlier epidemiological study by these authors revealed fluorosis at very low levels of fluoride concentrations in drinking water. Dean and others[1] determined 1 ppm to be the optimal level of fluoridation for caries reduction while minimizing level of dental fluorosis. Steady increase in the prevalence of fluorosis has been reported in many countries despite guidelines recommended by WHO have been followed to optimally fluoridate their drinking water supply in order to decrease the prevalence of dental caries.[3,4] A few studies have reported dental fluorosis at locations with very low levels of fluoride.[4,5,6] Increase in dental fluorosis in industrialized countries has been mainly attributed to the intake of fluoride from other sources like fluoridated dentifrices, inadvertently prescribed fluoride supplements, and other topical fluoride agents.[3]

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