Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis and Dental Caries in Relation to Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water among Residents of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-Sectional Study
Nathiya Shanmugam, V.S. Mitthrashree, Preethi Umanath, Sathiya A. T Vinotha, Divya S. MalathiAbstract
Background:
Fluoride, while protective against dental caries at optimal levels, can cause fluorosis at higher concentrations. Limited data on fluoride levels and related dental health issues in Coimbatore necessitated this study.
Aim:
The present study aimed to estimate fluoride concentrations in drinking water and the prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.
Materials and Methods:
Fluoride concentration was assessed in 100 randomly selected drinking water sources across five zones of Coimbatore using the color comparator technique. A total of 933 residents were examined for dental caries (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index) and fluorosis (Dean’s Fluorosis Index).
Statistical Analysis:
Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM Corp., USA). Descriptive statistics and Spearman’s correlation test was used and
Results:
Corporation-supplied water was the main drinking source in Coimbatore. The mean fluoride concentration was 0.48 parts per million (ppm). Dental caries prevalence was 65%, while dental fluorosis was observed in 4% of the population.
Conclusion:
Suboptimal fluoride levels in drinking water may contribute to the high prevalence of dental caries. Water fluoridation is recommended to improve oral health in Coimbatore.