Drinking water fluoride levels, dental fluorosis, and caries experience in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of this study was to consider the association between water fluoride levels and caries prevalence in three Brazilian populations.

METHODS

A total of 457 6-12-year-old lifetime residents from three economically deprived groups with 2-3, 0.7, and less than 0.01 ppm F in their water supplies were examined. Dental caries was recorded on permanent upper central incisors and first molars and all primary teeth (dmft).

RESULTS

There was a significant trend (P < 01) for the mean dmft to decrease with increasing levels of fluoride in the drinking water. Caries experience in the six permanent teeth was significantly lower (P < 01) in the area with 0.7 ppm F than in the other two groups For the 2-3 ppm F group significantly more caries was found in subjects with higher TF scores (P < 05).

CONCLUSION

Optimization of fluoride levels in the drinking water remains a valuable dental public health measure in Brazil.