September 2011

Volume 28, Issue 3

Relationship of caries and fluorosis in adolescents from high- and low-fluoride areas in Iran

Authors: S. Paris A. M. Kielbassa G. Khorrami K. Bitter H. Meyer-Lueckel
doi: 10.1922/CDH_2614MeyerLückel05

Abstract

Objective: The main aim of the study was to investigate the association between water fluoride concentration and caries as well as fluorosis occurrence in adolescents in Iran. As a secondary aim we studied the relationship between caries and fluorosis occurrence. Basic research design: We examined 12-16 year-olds (n=373) in Orumiyeh [0.3 mgF-/l, low-fluoride (LF)] and Pol Dasht [3.2 mgF-/l, high-fluoride (HF)] for caries-status [D3-Level, Pitts & Fyffe (DMFS)] and fluorosis prevalence [Thylstrup & Fejerskov index (TF)]. Children completed questionnaires about several sociodemographic and oral health related factors of the previous years. To adjust for confounding, we used log risk regression and estimated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results: For 12-13 year-olds mean DMFS were 1.9 (sd 2.5) and 1.1 (2.2) in the LF and the HF-areas, respectively. Prevalence of aesthetically relevant fluorosis (TF>2) was 1% (LF) and 87% (HF). Water fluoride concentration (adjusted for age and SES) was inversely associated with caries-status [RR: 0.7, (CI 0.6-0.8)]. RR for fluorosis was 17 (CI 8-33). In HF-area, caries scores were significantly higher for children with TF≥5 on upper central incisors compared with TF≤4 (p<0.05 Mann-Whitney test). Conclusions: Caries prevalence in the examined areas in Iran is quite low. Aboveoptimal water fluoride concentration seems to be effective in reducing caries experience, but increases the occurrence of fluorosis. Severe fluorosis seems to be associated with higher caries occurrence in a high-fluoride area. Key words: caries, fluorosis, water fluoridation, fluoride, Iran

Download

Other articles in this issue

Article Pages Access
Editorial - Position papers by EADPH Special Interest Groups 190-190 Download
Tooth wear and erosion: Methodological issues in epidemiological and public health research and the future research agenda 191-195 Download
The relationship between tooth wear in the primary and permanent dentitions 196-200 Download
The efficacy of dentifrices on extrinsic tooth stains among community dwelling adults in India – a randomised controlled trial 201-205 Download
Clinical and socio-demographic factors influencing the oral health-related quality of life of Chinese elders 206-210 Download
The effects of chronic pain on oral health related quality of life in patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction. 211-215 Download
Dental self-care and visiting behaviour in relation to social inequality in caries experience 216-221 Download
Clinical evaluation of chlorhexidine for the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs 222-226 Download
Oral health related quality of life among children with parents and those with no parents 227-231 Download
Psychometric properties of long and short forms of the Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ11-14) in a Thai population 232-237 Download
Dental examiners consistency in applying the ICDAS criteria for a caries prevention community trial 238-242 Download
Investing in professional advocacy: a case study of a successful fluoridation campaign in rural New South Wales, Australia 243-247 Download
Relationship of caries and fluorosis in adolescents from high- and low-fluoride areas in Iran 248-252 Download

Subscribe

Online (Single user only)
£150
Institution Online (IP address validation)
£250

Back issues may be obtained from the publisher

Consider recommending subscription to your institution's library

You can view Open Access papers without a subscription.