Incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting the University of Lahore dental college/ hospital - a study

ABSTRACT

Present study was carried out to find out the incidence of dental fluorosis among the patients visiting conservative department of The University of Lahore, Dental College Hospital during the months of April 2009 to June 2009. Total 1678 patients were seen in the conservative department. Patients presented clinical dental fluorosis were separated and classified according to Dean's Index of scoring dental fluorosis. The incidence of dental fluorosis was 12% [197 patients, 80 males and 117 females] being higher in females than males. 44[22%] showed very mild, 39[20%] showed mild, 77[39%] showed moderate, and 37 [19%] showed severe dental fluorosis. These patients belonged to the areas of Patoki, Kasur District, manga mandi, Kot Radha kishan, and its surroundings, all areas near to The University of Lahore Dental College where Fluoride ions concentration is higher in drinking water causing serious effect on teeth [dental fluorosis] as well as on bony tissues. Main goal of our study was to highlight the effects of high fluoride levels in drinking water in these areas and bring the attention of educated community and responsible authorities towards serious health issue