Dental fluorosis and fluoride in Willoq and Cuzco: assumptions and reality in Peru
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical Science and Public Health - Year 2015, Vol 4, Issue 9
Abstract
Background: Dental fluorosis (DF) is a dental disease characterized by visual imperfections, staining, and opacity. DF is caused by superoptimal levels of the common fluoride (F) ion in consumed water sources. Natural levels of F fluctuate wildly based upon environmental, industrial, and geologic factors. Current global DF and F predictions based on location are still largely preliminary, especially in the developing world. Objective: To assess the (DF) status of the indigenous community of Willoq and a boys’ orphanage in Cuzco, both located in the Sacred Valley region of Peru; to determine the F concentration in the main sources of consumed water in these two locations and in the city of Arequipa; and to compare the F levels and DF status against previous predictions. Materials and Methods: Individuals from Willoq and Cuzco, aged 8–69 years were examined for DF based on the Dean’s Index. In each community, n = 29 for a total of n = 58. Population statistics were represented through the calculated Community Fluorosis Index (CFI). Fluoride concentrations were measured using a F ion selective electrode following EPA method 340.2. Result: The prevalence of DF in the selected groups from Willoq and Cuzco is 7% and 29%, with CFI values of 0.03 ± 0.13 and 0.60 ± 1.14, respectively. Willoq and Cuzco F concentrations in the water sources were 0.285 and 0.151 mg/L, respectively, while Arequipa water had a F concentration of 0.193 mg/L. Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of DF in Willoq, which corresponds to negligible water concentrations of F. Cuzco has higher levels of DF at similarly low F concentrations, a result that suggests additional F sources are not accounted for in this analysis. Arequipa’s low F concentration and the nonzero DF in Peru are contrary to the previous predictions and call attention to a need for better and more refined DF and F predictions
Authors and Affiliations
David Brendan Johnson, Mary Walczak
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP122692
- DOI 10.5455/ijmsph.2015.10032015262
- Views 127
- Downloads 0
Correlates of contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age group in Adilabad District
Background: India was the first country in the world to launch a family planning program in 1952 with the objective of reducing birth rate to the extent necessary to stabilize the population. Inspite of availability of a...
A clinicopathological study of ophthalmic lesions in Indore - A review of 250 cases
Background: A spectrum of ophthalmic lesions (OL) can vary from benign to malignant. Premalignant and malignant tumors such as carcinoma, lymphoma, or melanoma are aggressive, which jeopardize the vision and may endanger...
A cross-sectional study on the knowledge and practice of travel vaccination and malaria prophylaxis for international travel among resident doctors of Ahmedabad city, Gujarat
Background: Travelers play a significant role in the spread of infectious diseases across international borders, through their travel patterns and behaviors. Travel may be the only risk factor for infectious diseases tha...
Study of serum uric acid and creatinine in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Background: Renal dysfunction, increased xanthine oxidase activity and oxidative stress in placenta contributes to the elevated uric acid levels in preeclampsia (PE). Objective: To determine serum uric acid and cr...
Comparison of post operative analgesia with Fentanyl and Sulfentanil via epidural route in thoracic and upper abdominal surgeries
Background: Post - operative analgesia has been considered very important for patient in terms of early mobilization and prevention of complications. Opioid analgesics have long been recognized as among the most eff...