title: [Prevalence of dental fluorosis in Chile: a pilot study].
abstract: The prevalence of enamel fluorosis and its severity was studied in 118 young men of 2 socio-economic levels. The subjects were born and resided for at least 6 years in Chilean communities with different natural levels of fluoride in drinking water. There was a high prevalence of enamel defect overall (54%) most of it of mild degree (36%). This was not related to the level of fluoride in drinking water, however further studies are needed since Chilean children are receiving fluoride from other sources. A national program to supplement drinking water with fluoride should take this information into account.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Chile, Santiago.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mella
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Atalah
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Aranda
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Montagna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence
vernacular_title: Fluorosis dental endemica en Chile: estudio piloto.