Dental fluorosis in a zone of Córdoba, Argentina. Development of strategies for prevention

GALLARÁ, R.; PIAZZA, LA; PIÑAS, ME; BARTEIK, ME; CENTENO, VA; BOJANICH, MA; MONCUNILL, I; GARCÍA, M.G.; LECOMTE, K.L.; ROZAS, CA; PONCE, R.

Revista de la Facultad de Odontología. MEDLINE

MEDLINE

Año: 2017 vol. 27 p. 35 - 43

0325-1071

Objective: To study the relationship between tooth spots and dental fluorosis in a population in the northwest of Córdoba, Argentina, in order to design preventive actions in this zone. Methods: In children aged 5 to 11 years, the fluorosis index (636 dental surfaces) and total fluorine (F-) intake were determined. In water samples from the study area, the content of F- (mg/L) (selective ion electrode method) was evaluated. For the removal of F- from drinking water, a filter was constructed using clay soils as ion exchangers. Results: 86.7% of all permanent dental surfaces presented some form of fluorosis and 77.8% of anterior maxillary teeth showed mild, moderate and severe degrees. The daily intake of F- (3.90 mg/day) doubled the recommended intake. The F- concentrations in water samples were of 1.7 to 3.4 mg/L. The adsorption capacity of F- of three types of clay soils of the zone was analyzed, showing only one of them the capacity (0.02 mg F-/g of soil) to remove F- from the water. With this material was designed a homemade filter. Conclusions: The concentration of F- found in the water of the area and the presence of spots on the teeth of the inhabitants allow affirming that the study area is a zone of endemic fluorosis. The use of the household F- removal filter made it possible to obtain potable water with appropriate concentrations of F- to drink and cook food as the first stage to solve the health problems of a region in which its inhabitants are characterized by a situation of underemployment and low incomes.