Prevalence of fluorosis in an endemic village in central India.

Endemic fluorosis is an important public health problem in certain parts of the Durg district of Chhattisgarh. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis among the population and to assess the relation between drinking water fluoride level and prevalence of fluorosis. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Gureda Village, of the Durg district of Chhattisgarh state in October 2009. The survey covered 805 individuals - 362 males and 443 females. The prevalence of dental and skeletal fluorosis was assessed based on clinical examinations of individuals. Drinking and eating habits of individuals were recorded as per checklist. Water fluoride levels of prime water sources were also determined by lab examination. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 8.2%. Both skeletal and dental fluorosis were more common in males. Dental fluorosis was higher in the 8-45 age group, whereas the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis increased with age. Genu varum (38.1%) and genu vulgum (6.3%) were the common skeletal deformities. Water fluoride levels ranged from 0.2 to 7.8 ppm.