Dental fluorosis and caries incidence in rural children residing in a high fluoride area in the dry zone of Sri Lanka

Abstract

A study was conducted to establish the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and to investigate its relationship to dental caries in 222. , 12-14 year old children who have been life long residents in a rual area in teh dry zone of Sri Lanka where the drinking water contains a above optimal fluoride concentration. Dental fluorosis was assessed using the WHO criteia. Samples of water used for drinking by them were analysed for fluoride levels. The results revealed that 97precent of the children were affected with dental fluorosis. While about 20per cent had extensive fluorosis (scores of 3 and 4). Fluoride levels int he drinking water samples varied from 0.21-9.8ppm. Higher fluorosis scores were observed in children drinking water with higher fluoride content. The prevalence of caries increased as the degree of cluorosis increased. The mean DMFT was 0.43 in children showing no foluorosis but increased up to 1.65 in children showing a fluorosis score of 3.