PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN 9–12 YEAR OLD CHILDREN, IN AND AROUND BAGALKOT DISTRICT, KARNATAKA CROSS–SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Rashmi Chour; Dr. Rajas Prasad; Dr. Sayantini Das; Dr. Girish Chour

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

PREVALENCE AND AWARENESS OF DENTAL FLUOROSIS IN 9–12 YEAR OLD CHILDREN, IN AND AROUND BAGALKOT DISTRICT, KARNATAKA CROSS–SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Rashmi Chour, Dr. Rajas Prasad, Dr. Sayantini Das, Dr. Girish Chour

Abstract :

Background: To assess the prevalence and awareness of dental fluorosis in and around Bagalkot district, Karnataka: a cross–sectional study Materials & Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 800, 9–12 year old school children from 15 schools of Bagalkot district. After taking consent from their parents, a questionnaire was used to collect the data regarding awareness of dental fluorosis, source of water, diet and socio demographic characters. Oral examination was done under natural light to score Deans fluorosis index. Chi square test was used. Results: Study revealed that 72.4% of the study population had dental fluorosis. Out of which 82.2 % were aware of the condition. Fluorosis score in relation to gender was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Dental fluorosis is a public health problem in Bagalkot district. Active steps must be taken to Defluoridate the water before distribution to reduce the morbidity associated with dental fluorosis in this area.