Estimation of Fluoride Level in Drinking Water and Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in Vairag Village of Solapur District, Maharashtra, India: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Dental fluorosis occurring due to drinking water with high concentration of fluoride is a common public health problem in India. Hence the present study was designed with an aim to estimate fluoride levels in drinking water source of the people from Vairag village and to determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis among residents of Vairag village. Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted on residents of Vairag village of Solapur district in Maharashtra state. Drinking water source was analyzed for fluoride content by specific ion meter method. Dental fluorosis was assessed in 950 subjects using Community Fluorosis Index. Water samples from 4 different sources were analyzed for fluoride level. Data obtained was subjected to descriptive statistics. Results: The fluoride concentration in the water samples collected ranged from 0.64-7.8 ppm. Of 950 subjects studied, 149 (15.68%) subjects suffered from various grades dental fluorosis. Community fluorosis index was found to be 0.354. Conclusions: Though we found subjects suffering from dental fluorosis in Vairag village (15.68% prevalence), it can be considered as a public health problem (according to CFI value 0.354).