Fluoride distribution in drinking water and dental fluorosis in children residing in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra

The survey was conducted to find out the fluoride (F -) distribution in drinking water and dental fluorosis in children. 5-14 years old children who were lifelong residents of Dongargaon, Pijdura and Chikni villages of Warora Tehsil of Chandrapur district, Maharashtra and who consumed drinking water from the same source of their life. The fluoride concentration was determined from different sources of water in Dongargaon, Pijdura and Chikni villages of Warora Tehsil, Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. The results revealed that about 40% of drinking water samples were found to contain more F concentration than WHO and BIS recommended limit i.e. 1.5 mg/L and 1.2 mg/L respectively. During the survey six hundred and ninety nine children of 5-14 years (353 boys and 356 girls) were clinically examined. About 80% children from these villages show dental fluorosis. The % of dental fluorosis increased with the age and more in girls as compared to boys. Dental fluorosis is clearly indicates over-exposure to fluoride when the teeth were in developing stage. This is commonly observed across the all study sites. The dental fluorosis children shows loss of confidence and especially in the girl’s inferiority complex has been seen in the study area. A well designed epidemiological investigation can be undertaken to evaluate the risk factor associated with condition in the study area.