Prevalence of caries and developmental defects of enamel (fluorosis) in permanent teeth in primary school children living in lsmailia Governorate with different water fluoride level

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of dental caries as well as• developmental defects of enamel (fluorosis) and their correlation with fluoride level in water among primary school children in Ismailia governorate. A total of 5116 school children; 2609 boys and 2507 girls aged 6 - 11 years attending primary schools were examined. In Ismailia City children were grouped according to socioeconomic levels into high and low. In Fayed, Kantara East, Kantara West and Abu-Soware children were divided according to degree of urbanization into children from urban areas and children from rural areas. Each group was subgrouped into 5 age categories with one year interval. Each age group was further subgrouped into boys and girls. Children were examined for dental caries, which was identified using dmfs for primary teeth for ages 6-9 years old, and DMFS for permanent teeth for . ages 6-11 years old. Prevalence of enamel defects (fluorosis) was assessed using Dean's Index and water samples were collected from tap water at schools to measure fluoride concentration in drinking water.