Fluoride Action Network

Abstract

The prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis was determined among children of Kheru Nayak Thanda of Gulbarga district, where the fluoride concentration in drinking water ranges from 0.6 to 13.4 ppm and the water has low levels of copper and zinc. These children were investigated clinically, radiologically and biochemically. The study revealed that 89% of the children had dental fluorosis and 39% exhibited skeletal fluorosis. Serum samples of these children showed elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and decreased levels of total protein, albumin, and potassium. Radiographic changes suggestive of osteoporosis, osteosclerosis, and genu valgum were observed.