Abstract

The prevalences of dental and skeletal fluorosis were observed in fifteen tribal villages of the Dungapur district of Rajasthan where the fluoride (F) concentration in drinking waters varies from 0.3 to 10.8 ppm. At 1.40 and 6.04 ppm mean F concentrations, 25.64% and 84.43% of school children (<16 years), and 23.91% and 96.87% of adults, respectively, were found to be affected with dental fluorosis. The maximum prevalence of dental fluorosis (76.43%) was observed in the 17 to 22 years age group. No significant correlation was found between dental fluorosis prevalence and gender. At these same F concentrations, 4.35% and 63.02% of adults (>21 years), respectively, were showing evidence of skeletal fluorosis. The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was comparatively higher in males and increased with higher F level and age. None of the fluorotic subjects showed evidence of genu valgum syndrome or goitre. Radiological findings of other deformities in fluorotic subjects were found.

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