Prevalence of dental fluorosis in primary teeth – A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of fluorosis of the permanent teeth has increased during the past few decades in India. However, primary-tooth fluorosis has been largely overlooked because it is often difficult to recognize. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis in primary teeth among 4–12-year-old preschool and school children in endemic fluoride areas of Bhavnagar district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Bhavnagar district to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis in primary dentition among 1500 school children in the age group of 6–12 years. Data collection included estimation of fluoride in the drinking water supply and measurement of dental fluorosis in school children. Results: The prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among the total population of 1500 children was found to be 26.3%; only 395 were diagnosed with dental fluorosis. Of these, 194 (49.12%) were males with fluorosis and 201 (50.88%) were females with fluorosis. Age groups were grouped to perform a Chi-square test. The results show no significant association between genders (>0.05*). Conclusion: In the present study, mild-to-moderate forms of dental fluorosis are found to be prevalent in a primary dentition.