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 Brazilia n populations. Methods: A total of 457 6-12-year-old lifetime resident s 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 r ecorded on permanent upper central incisors and first molars and all p rimary teeth (dmft). Results: There was a significant trend (P<.01) fo r the mean dmft to decrease with increasing levels of fluoride in the drinking water. Caries experience in the six permanent teeth was signi ficantly lower (P<.01) in the area with 0.7 ppm F than in the other tw o 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 publi c health measure in Brazil.