Caries experience and fluorosis prevalence in Chilean children from different socio-economic status.
Caries experience and enamel fluorosis prevalence in 8-year-old children belonging to different socio-economic classes were determined in two Chilean twin cities that are served by optimally fluoridated community water from the same waterworks facility. Low socio-economic status (LSES) children had a higher mean dmft and DMFT indices (P < 0.001) than high socioeconomic status (HSES) children. Prevalence of enamel fluorosis in the permanent teeth of LSES children was 0.79, significantly higher (chi 2 = 9.0; P < 0.003) than the value 0.59 found in HSES children. The proportion of Dean's scores 2, 3, 4 and 5 in first molars, mandibular and maxillary incisors in LSES children was higher than in HSES children (P < 0.001). Differences in prevalence and severity of enamel fluorosis between both groups are tentatively attributed to a different pattern of tap water and tea consumption at pre-school ages. Suggestions are advanced to minimize the undesirable prevalence and severity of enamel fluorosis.
Villa
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Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, INTA, Universidad de Chile.
Guerrero
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D002648:Child; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004326:Drinking; D005457:Fluoridation; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000473:pathology; D008334:Mandible; D008437:Maxilla; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D015995:Prevalence; D012923:Social Class; D013662:Tea; D014867:Water
D013662:Tea; D014867:Water