Spatial distribution of groundwater fluoride levels and population at risk for dental caries and dental fluorosis in Sri Lanka

Abstract

To investigate the distribution of groundwater fluoride levels in Sri Lanka in relation to its population distribution to determine the population at risk for dental caries or dental fluorosis. The study used the most upgraded spatial distribution map of groundwater fluoride levels in Sri Lanka, and it was overlaid with a census of population data of the country. The results indicated that 12% of children aged <12years were at risk for dental fluorosis, while 81.4% of those who lived in low-fluoride zones were vulnerable for development of dental decay. Overall, 82.4% of the country's population lived in low-fluoride zones and 11.2% were at risk of potential health hazards posed by ingestion of excessive fluoride. The spatial approach provides a useful decision-support tool for developing an oral health strategy of safe fluoride use based on predicted oral health risks in communities.