Prevalence of Fluorosis in 5-12 Year-old Children in the North-Western Villages of Makoo in 2004

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Fluorosis is defined as a sort of enamel hypocalcification. Clinical features of fluorosis vary from thin white lines on the enamel to chalky and opaque enamel. The enamel may be destroyed after tooth eruption. Various prevalence rates have been reported in different populations. Major contributing factors are temperature, altitude and hygienic trends. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of fluorosis in 5-12 year-old children in the North-Western villages of Makoo. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 58 children aged between 5 and 6, and 421 students aged between 7 and 12 from the North-Western villages of Makoo were selected. Dean Index was used to evaluate the prevalence of fluorosis in the primary and permanent dentition. To compare the severity of fluorosis in the maxilla and mandible and also to assess the coordination rate of fluorosis in the left and right sides of the jaw, TF Index was used. TSIF was used to compare fluorosis rate in different tooth surfaces. Discoloration prevalence and rate were compared between maxillary and mandibular incisors. Chi-square test and t-test were used to analyze the results. RESULTS Fluorosis rate in the primary and permanent dentition was 100%. According to TF Index, the highest coordination rate was observed in mandibular incisors and the least was observed in maxillary second molars. The difference in the severity of fluorosis between maxilla and mandible was statistically significant (p<0.05). Discoloration rate increased in maxillary central incisors with age. CONCLUSION Very high prevalence rate of fluorosis in the primary and permanent teeth in the North-West of Makoo revealed a major regional problem; therefore, preventive strategies such as informing people of improper use of fluoride-containing supplements and reduction of the fluoride content of drinking water are suggested.