Assessment of dental fluorosis in Vallioor school children.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: An assessment of dental fluorosis in school children of vallioor union in tirunelveli district
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Saifullah Mohamed Ramlath Sabura Somasundaram Muthalagi and Magil Inbaraj Delighta Mano Joyce
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: An assessment of dental fluorosis in school children of vallioor union in tirunelveli district
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201910-15745
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Dental fluorosis is a significant public health issue, particularly in regions where high levels of fluoride are present in drinking water, which is commonplace in many parts of India. This study examines the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren from various villages in the Vallioor Union of Tirunelveli District in Tamil Nadu. A total of 470 children aged between 5 and 16 were surveyed to assess the impact of fluoride exposure on their dental health. Through oral examinations and questionnaires, researchers aimed to understand the extent of fluorosis as well as the fluoride levels in local drinking water sources.
The Impact of High Fluoride Levels
One of the key findings of the study is the alarming prevalence of dental fluorosis across different locations within the study area. The research indicated a significant regional variation, with Lebbaikudieruppu showing the highest prevalence at 75%, followed by Kadambankulam at 59.25%. Overall, 52.76% of surveyed students exhibited signs of dental fluorosis. It was observed that the fluoride content in drinking water from these villages ranged from 2.1 to 4.3 mg/L, which is substantially higher than the recommended levels of 0.5 to 0.8 mg/L, leading to a pronounced community fluorosis index (CFI) that suggests widespread fluorosis across the area.
Methodology: Assessing Fluoride Exposure
The methodology employed in the study involved a detailed survey of local drinking water sources and the assessment of fluoride exposure levels among the children. By calculating the amount of daily fluoride intake based on water consumption and the fluoride concentration in their drinking water, researchers derived individual exposure levels. This analytical approach highlighted significant fluoride exposure among children in different age groups, emphasizing the correlation between high fluoride levels in drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis.
Community Fluorosis Index (CFI) Findings
The Community Fluorosis Index (CFI) was utilized to categorize and standardize the symptoms of dental fluorosis across the surveyed population. Variables included various stages of fluorosis severity, and the resulting CFI exceeded the critical value of 0.6 in all examined study areas, indicating a high prevalence of fluorosis. The CFI, which reflects the severity of dental fluorosis based on population data, demonstrated that almost all villages studied face substantial fluoride-related health challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent public health problem posed by dental fluorosis in Tirunelveli District due to excessive fluoride in drinking water sources. With over half of the surveyed children exhibiting signs of fluorosis, it is essential to implement interventions such as alternative water sourcing or effective de-fluoridation techniques. Additionally, incorporating calcium and vitamin C-rich foods into the children's diets could mitigate the adverse effects of fluoride exposure. This study serves as a call to action for local health authorities to address this critical issue and enhance the well-being of the communities affected.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study conducted in Vallioor?
The study assesses the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among school children in selected villages of Vallioor union in the Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, India, due to high fluoride levels in drinking water.
How many students were involved in the research study?
A total of 470 students aged between 5 to 16 years were selected and examined to evaluate dental fluorosis prevalence and fluoride exposure in their drinking water.
What were the fluoride concentration levels found in drinking water?
The fluoride concentrations in drinking water ranged from 2.1 ppm to 4.6 ppm, with the highest level detected in Lebbaikudieruppu at 4.3 mg/L.
What percentage of students were affected by dental fluorosis?
The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis among the surveyed students was found to be 52.76%, indicating significant exposure to fluoride in the study area.
What recommendations were made to address fluoride poisoning?
To minimize fluoride poisoning, the study suggested using alternative water sources, implementing defluoridation methods for drinking water, and advising a diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin C.
What is the Community Fluorosis Index (CFI) significance in the study?
The CFI helps assess the severity of fluorosis in communities; values exceeding 0.6 indicate a high prevalence of dental fluorosis, confirming it as a major public health concern in the studied areas.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Assessment of dental fluorosis in Vallioor school children.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Water:
Water is a vital resource for human health and plays a crucial role in the prevalence of dental fluorosis. In the study, drinking water sources were analyzed for fluoride content, which is linked to flurosis conditions in communities, emphasizing the need for safe drinking water.
2) Study (Studying):
The study focuses on assessing dental fluorosis among school-aged children in specific Tamil Nadu villages. It underscores the importance of research in public health, providing valuable insights into the environmental and dietary factors contributing to fluorosis, which can inform future interventions.
3) India:
India is one of the countries significantly impacted by fluorosis due to widespread groundwater contamination with high fluoride levels. The geographical distribution of fluoride in India poses a serious public health issue, necessitating comprehensive studies to understand its prevalence and effects on dental health.
4) Puram:
The term 'Puram' refers to a suffix commonly used in the place names of Tamil Nadu, indicating a locality or residential area. The study references several villages with 'Puram' in their names, highlighting the specific geographic focus of the research on dental fluorosis.
5) Tirunelveli:
Tirunelveli is a district in Tamil Nadu, India, where the study takes place. It represents a region historically affected by high fluoride levels in groundwater, making it an essential location for assessing dental fluorosis and understanding public health challenges related to water quality.
6) Katampan:
Kadamban refers to a village included in the study for assessing dental fluorosis among children. The varying fluoride concentrations found in this village compared to others illustrate the research's exploration of different communities and how local conditions impact health outcomes.
7) Kulam:
The term 'Kulam' traditionally indicates water bodies or reservoirs in Tamil culture. In the context of this research, it is part of the name of a village, Kadambankulam, where fluoride levels in drinking water were evaluated to understand fluorosis prevalence.
8) Table:
Tables are critical tools in research for organizing and presenting data clearly. In this study, tables summarize the fluoride levels, prevalence of dental fluorosis across various villages, and community fluorosis indices, facilitating straightforward interpretation of essential findings.
9) Zoology:
Zoology, the study of animal biology, provides essential insights into the health impacts of environmental factors, including fluoride exposure. In the context of this research, experts from zoology departments were crucial in assessing biological consequences of fluorosis in humans, particularly children.
10) Food:
Food influences dental health significantly, with certain nutrients like calcium and vitamin C playing protective roles against the effects of dental fluorosis. The study suggests dietary recommendations to mitigate fluoride's impact, emphasizing the relationship between nutrition and oral health.
11) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, is characterized by its unique geographic and cultural features. The state is essential to this study as it faces endemic fluorosis problems, making it a focal area for examining fluoride exposure and its public health implications.
12) Village:
A village represents a smaller community, often reliant on local resources, including groundwater for drinking. The focus on individual villages in the study highlights localized health concerns and the necessity of targeted public health interventions to address fluoride-induced health issues.
13) House:
Households in the surveyed villages represent units where data on children's health, diet, and water consumption were collected. The domestic environment is pivotal for assessing fluorosis risk factors, reinforcing the need for comprehensive household surveys in such health studies.
14) Earth:
The Earth is the global context within which fluoride contamination and its health effects can be understood. This research reflects a local issue that has broader implications, contributing to the global knowledge of public health challenges related to environmental pollutants, like fluoride.
15) Tamil:
Tamil is the language and cultural identity of a significant population in Tamil Nadu. Understanding the linguistic context is important for engaging local communities effectively in health education and awareness about the consequences of fluoride exposure.
16) Nadu:
Nadu, meaning 'land' in Tamil, forms part of the state's name, Tamil Nadu. This geographical designation emphasizes the regional focus of the research on local communities affected by high fluoride levels in drinking water.
17) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in the study, particularly concerning nutrition that can mitigate the adverse effects of fluoride. The research recommends dietary inclusions that are rich in calcium and vitamin C, aiming at improving overall dental health in affected communities.
18) Rich (Rch):
Rich refers to the nutritional content of certain foods. The study promotes a diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin C as a protective measure against the health impacts of fluoride, highlighting the importance of nutrition in public health strategies.
19) Human body:
The human body is affected by fluoride exposure, leading to conditions like dental fluorosis. This study emphasizes understanding the biological impact of environmental contaminants, such as fluoride, on children's dental health in specific communities.
20) Afghanistan:
Afghanistan is mentioned in the context of global fluoride distribution patterns. Its inclusion highlights the wide geographical range affected by fluoride-related health issues, providing context for India's position within the fluoride belt impacting many countries.
21) Surrounding:
Surrounding refers to the environmental factors influencing fluoride exposure levels. The study emphasizes the need to consider surrounding communities and their water sources to assess fluoride contamination's public health implications accurately.
22) Agriculture:
Agriculture represents a significant part of the local economy, with many families depending on it for livelihood. This connection is important in the study, as the socioeconomic status potentially affects access to clean water and nutrition, influencing fluorosis prevalence.
23) Account:
Account signifies the method of documenting and interpreting data collected during the study. Accurate accounts are essential for establishing the link between high fluoride levels in drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis among school children.
24) Surface:
Surface water is an alternative water source often limited in the study area due to climatic conditions. The lack of surface water availability forces communities to rely on groundwater, where fluoride contamination poses serious health risks.
25) Nature:
Nature encompasses the environmental context within which fluoride exposure occurs. The study addresses natural factors contributing to endemic fluorosis in specific areas, emphasizing the importance of recognizing environmental influences on public health.
26) Reason:
Reason pertains to the underlying causes of dental fluorosis in the study population. Identifying reasons such as high fluoride levels in drinking water is critical to developing effective preventative measures and public health policies.
27) Summer:
Summer represents a seasonal factor impacting water availability and consumption patterns. In the study region, hot summers intensify pressure on groundwater resources, accentuating the public health risks associated with high fluoride concentrations during this time.
28) Labour (Labor):
Labour represents the socioeconomic context of the communities affected by fluoride exposure. Many survey participants belong to low-income labor sectors, and understanding this context is necessary for addressing the public health implications of fluoride contamination effectively.
29) Tiru (Thiru):
Thiru is a prefix used in Tamil culture to denote respect. In the context of the study, it could reflect local influences or figures relevant to the academic or community engagement aspects of the research.
30) Doubt:
Doubt signifies the importance of scientific rigor and conservative approaches in assessing dental fluorosis. In the study, ambiguous cases of fluorosis were scored lower, highlighting the careful methodology employed to ensure accurate and reliable outcomes.
31) Birth:
Birth represents the demographic focus on children within the study, specifically targeting those aged 5-16. The emphasis on this age group highlights the significance of early exposure to fluoride and its long-term effects on dental health.
32) Cina:
China, like India, is part of the global fluoride belt. Mentioning China in the study helps illustrate the widespread nature of the fluoride problem and the need for international awareness and solutions regarding fluoride exposure and public health.
33) Fish:
Fish, a common source of dietary fluoride, represents one of the food sources contributing to fluorosis. Understanding dietary sources of fluoride, including fish consumption, is critical for evaluating holistic approaches to mitigating dental health issues.
34) Line:
Line refers to the representation of fluoride concentration levels and other data in the study. Data visualization through lines in graphs or tables is essential for conveying research findings effectively, making them accessible to public health practitioners and communities.
35) Manas (Mano, Manash):
Mano is part of the name of one of the authors in the study. Recognizing the contributions of individuals, particularly in collaborative research, is important for academic transparency and acknowledgment of the expertise brought to the study.
Other Science Concepts:
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