FLUOROSIS IN SOME TRIBAL VILLAGES OF DUNGARPUR DISTRICT OF RAJASTHAN,INDIA

The prevalences of dental and skeletal fluorosis were observed in fift een tribal villages of the Dungarpur district of Rajasthan where the f luoride (F) concentration in drinking waters varies from 0.3 to 10.8 p pm. Pit 1.40 and 6.04 ppm mean F concentrations, 25.64% and 84.43% of school children (<16 years), and 23.91% and 96.87% of adults, respecti vely, were found to be affected with dental fluorosis. The maximum pre valence of dental fluorosis (76.43%) was observed in the 17 to 22 year s age group. No significant correlation was found between dental fluor osis prevalence and gender. At these same F concentrations, 4.35% and 63.02% of adults (>21 years), respectively, were showing evidence of s keletal fluorosis. The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was comparativ ely higher in males and increased with higher F level and age. None of the fluorotic subjects showed evidence of genu valgum syndrome or goi tre. Radiological findings of other deformities in fluorotic subjects were also found.