Periodontal Tissue Health in Endemic Fluorosis Areas: a Case Study

Aim: The objective of the study was to determine if there is any reduction in periodontal disease in people living in areas where the drinking water contains fluoride in more than optimum levelas compared to its definite proven anti caries activity. Methodology: A survey with 320 patients in two groups of 160 each in Sengattur [4.4ppm] Salem District, Tamil Nadu and Nalgonda [3.5ppm], in Andhra Pradesh, with a control of 200 patients from Mamandur in Chengalpet District Tamil Nadu with fluoride in a level of less than optimum, by using the OHI(S) Greene and Vermillion index for oral hygiene, PI., Periodontal Index Of Russell DMF index for caries, and Deans index for assessing Fluorosis of the teeth. The sample was divided into four groups of age as A (10-15 years), B (16-30 years), C (31-45 years), D (46-60 years). The socioeconomic status and oral hygiene habits were held constant and the following indices were used to assess the oral health condition. The accumulated data were statistically analyzed using the ‘Z test’ and student ‘t test’. Results: The results showed a lesser severity of periodontal disease with a slight reduction in OH1(S) scores also. There was a definite decrease in DMF and a direct positive correlation between DMF and PI. Conclusion: The study clearly indicates that DMF and periodontal scores are less in populations with excess fluoride in their drinking water; than in people drinking water, with fluoride in less than optimum level.