Prevalence of dental fluorosis and its determinants among primary school children in Koppal district, Karnataka: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction:Fluorosis is an important public health problem across the globe. Intake of Fluoride higher than the optimum level is the main reason for occurrence of Dental and Skeletal Fluorosis. School going children are most commonly affected by Dental Fluorosis. Objectives: 1): To estimate the prevalence of Dental fluorosis among primary school children aged 6-12 years in rural areas of Koppal district. 2): To determine various factors associated with Dental fluorosis in children. Material and Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in rural areas of Koppal district. A total of 3047 school children in the age group of 6-12 years were included in the study by cluster sampling technique. Dental Fluorosis was identified and graded using Modified Dean's Flurosis Index and data were collected using a pretested and semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using WHO Epi info software version 3.5.4. Results: The Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis among school children in Koppal district was 2279 (74.8%) as per Modified Dean's Fluorosis Index and it was found to be significantly associated with type of diet and source of drinking water among them. Conclusion:The present study concludes that the prevalence of Dental Fluorosis was high in Koppal district and was associated with age, was more in children on mixed diet and drinking ground water.