ABSTRACT

Dental fluorosis, also called mottling of tooth enamel, is a developmental disturbance of dental enamel caused by excessive exposure to high concentration of fluoride during tooth development. The risk of fluoride overexposure occurs at any age but is higher at younger ages. In its mild forms (which are its most common}, dental fluorosis often appears as unnoticeable, tiny white streaks or specks In the enamel of the tooth. In its most severe form, tooth appearance is marred by discoloration or brown markings. The enamel may be pitted, rough and hard to clean. The spots and stains left by fluorosis are permanent and may darken over time thereby reducing the aesthetic value of the teeth. The prevalence of dental fluorosfs among primary school children of Lokpanta, a community in Umunneochi local Government Area of Abia state of Nigeria was studied using the World Health Organization's pathfinder for oral health surveys. School children of age 5-12 years from four selected government primary schools in the study area were surveyed for the presence of dental fluorosis. The schools surveyed include; National school, State primary school, Amaekwuru primary school and Obiagu primary school. The study was conducted within two months, from October to November. Out of 1120 pupils surveyed, 72 (6.4%) were infected; 18 (1.61%) from National school, 18 (1.61%) from State primary school, 22 (1.96%) from Amaekwuru primary school and 14 (1.25%) from Oblagu primary school. Fluoride was found as the sole cause of dental fluorosls, which Is primary found In water. Fluoride concentration of the local sources of drinking water available in the study area was analyzed using orion microprocessor analyzer. The four selected streams included; Amaja, ovu Amaovum, ovu lhite and lneme stream, with Amaja stream having the highest fluoride concentration of 1.2Mg/L.