PREVALENCE AND SEVERITY OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS AMONG SCHOOL STUDENTS IN DONGARGAON OF CHANDRAPUR DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

The purpose of this study was to assess the exposure of fluoride in drinking water and evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among the school students in Dongergaon village of Warora Tehsil, Chandrapur district, Maharashtra, India. Total 178 (93 boys and 85 girls) students of 6-14 year aged were clinically examined using Dean’s Index. Water samples from dugwell, borewell and groundwater stream were analyzed for fluoride ion concentration by ion selective electrode. The fluoride concentration was found to be 0.53-5 ppm which was more than permissible limit. Overall 78% of students showed some grades of dental fluorosis with Community Fluorosis Index (CFI) 1.847. Gender wise percentage of dental fluorosis was more in girls (78.8%) as compared to boys (77.4%). 21.9% of students were normal, 5% questionable, 10.6% very mild, 25.8% mild, 29.8% moderate and 6.7% had severe fluorosis. The severity of fluorosis was found more in girls (66.6%) than in boys (33.3%). The prevalence and severity increased with the age. There was high prevalence of mild to severe fluorosis in school students of Dongargaon village.