First studies on dental fluorosis in archaeological populations of the province of Córdoba (Argentina) Primeros estudios sobre fluorosis dental en poblaciones arqueológicas de la provincia de Córdoba (Argentina)

DENTONI, MARÍA NÉLIDA; SELDES, VERÓNICA; LUNA, LEANDRO; ARANDA, CLAUDIA; RODRÍGUEZ, PABLO; GALLARÁ, RAQUEL VIVIAN; PONCE, RUBÉN HUGO; CENTENO, VIVIANA ANDREA; FABRA, MARIANA

Revista Argentina de Antropologia Biologica

Asociacion de Antropologia Biologica Argentina

Lugar: La Plata; Año: 2023 vol. 25

Fluoride (F-) has properties of great interest in relation to human health. In concentrations lower than 1mgF-/L it favors hard tissue mineralization. However, chronic intake of water with concentrations greater than 1 mg F-/L produces fluorosis. In the province of Córdoba, studies in current populations detected this pathology in different localities. The highest values of F- in water were found in the southern, northwestern and northeastern regions, in contrast to those of the central-western region, which made it possible to delimit zones with high fluoride content in watercourses. This work aims to evaluate the impact of dental fluorosis in human remains from archaeological sites in the province and relate it to the F- content in the waters of regions surrounding the findings. Thirty-eight individuals (27 male and 11 female) from different regions of the province of Córdoba were analyzed and indicators of dental fluorosis such as hypoplasia and alterations in enamel color were recorded. In addition, the frequencies of caries, root remains, enamel fractures, sequelae of periapical processes and the condition of the alveolar tables were surveyed, to assess the individuals’ oral health. The results show that 21 individuals (55,3%) have signs of dental fluorosis, 13 males (34,2%) and 8 females (21,0%). The origin of the affected individuals suggests a relative correspondence with the results of current clinical studies and with the levels of fluoride in the waters of the province.