Fluoride Intake, Diet and Health Status of Children Residing in Low Endemic Fluoride Afflicted Areas of Chittoor District

The fluoride (F) intake, diet, and health status of children in the dental fluorosis-afflicted areas in chittoor district were studied in an attempt to correlate nutritional status with dental fluorosis. The relationship between dietary consumption and the incidence of dental fluorosis among the children was stressed in this study. Average body weight of the children approximated that of the national standard and average height was outlying the standards. Protein intake was above the national standard of 0.75 g/kg body weight/day, but the protein was derived mainly from plant sources. Calcium intake was found to be insufficient. Based on the diet and fluoride intake of the studied groups, the areas with a poor nutritional status were found to have a higher incidence of dental fluorosis. The incidence among nutritious diet consuming children was lower than that of nutrient deficit diet consuming children.