Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(2), pp. 179 - 190
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120201
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Teeth Fluorosis and Osteofluorosis in Adults – A Cross Sectional Study in Rural YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Sirigala Lavanya ^1,2,*, Prathiba Ramani ^2
1 Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Government Dental College and Hospital, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
² Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

ABSTRACT

Background: YSR Kadapa district is identified as one of the districts in Andhra Pradesh having high fluoride levels in groundwater by the central government of India. Fluorosis is an endemic disease that mainly affects the mineralized tissues of the human body, the teeth, and the bone. This study aimed to assess the effects of chronic toxicity of fluoride in consumable water on teeth and skeletal system in adults in rural YSR Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the villages in YSR Kadapa district in adults over the age of 21. A general physical examination was done for skeletal fluorosis and an oral examination for tooth fluorosis. Tooth fluorosis was assessed as per Dean's Fluorosis Index and skeletal fluorosis was assessed as per the guidelines given in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis in India (2014). Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient tests, and the Chi-square test of independence were used for the statistical analysis of data. Results: Study results revealed a prevalence of 55.08% of teeth fluorosis and 23.82% of osteofluorosis in the adults in rural YSR district. Prevalence of both dental fluorosis and osteofluorosis was more in males than females. There was a negative correlation between water fluoride levels in water samples and urinary fluoride levels in urine samples from the subjects in the study areas. There was a positive correlation between fluoride levels in water and prevalence of teeth fluorosis and osteofluorosis. The prevalence of osteofluorosis increased with age. Osteofluorosis was also observed in individuals without dental fluorosis. Conclusion: This study observed the presence of dental fluorosis and osteofluorosis in adults in the YSR Kadapa district. These observations provide the evidence for the chronic fluoride toxicity on teeth and the skeletal system in adults, even in areas where the mean level of fluoride in consumable water was 1.5 mg/l. Precautionary measures are needed for the supply of Defluoridated water in the community to prevent the fluoride toxicity in humans in the YSR district by the local administration. District health departments need to take measures to treat fluorosis affected adults.

KEYWORDS
Chronic Fluoride Toxicity, Dental Fluorosis, Skeletal Fluorosis, Adults, YSR Kadapa District

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Sirigala Lavanya , Prathiba Ramani , "Teeth Fluorosis and Osteofluorosis in Adults – A Cross Sectional Study in Rural YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 2, pp. 179 - 190, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120201.

(b). APA Format:
Sirigala Lavanya , Prathiba Ramani (2024). Teeth Fluorosis and Osteofluorosis in Adults – A Cross Sectional Study in Rural YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(2), 179 - 190. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120201.