Prevalence of dental fluorosis among 12-15-Year-Old schoolchildren in Cheyyur Taluk, Chengalpattu District: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Endemic fluorosis resulting from high fluoride concentration in groundwater is a public health problem in India. The available data suggest that 15 states in India are endemic to fluorosis (fluoride level in drinking water >1.5 mg/l) which includes Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, almost 19 districts have been reported to be affected by dental fluorosis. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among school children in Cheyyur taluk between the age groups of 12 and 15 years. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among schoolchildren in the age group of 12–15 years. After obtaining ethical clearance and permission from the randomly chosen eight government schools of Cheyyur taluk, demographic data and American Dental Association Type III clinical examination was conducted. The dental fluorosis status of the children was assessed using the Modified Dean's Fluorosis Index (1942) and the data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16. In descriptive statistics, a Chi-square test was carried out to find the association among dental fluorosis and demographic characteristics such as age and gender and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study sample comprised of 1089 children of which, 491 (45.1%) were boys and 598 (54.9%) were girls. Overall dental fluorosis prevalence was found to be 28.6%. Conclusion: Mild and very mild form of dental fluorosis was the most common form prevalent among the population, whereas the severe form of dental fluorosis was not found. Statistically significant difference exists between different age groups and no difference exists among gender.