Affiliation

Department of Environmental Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

Corresponding Author

Safiye Ghobakhloo, Department of Environmental Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran, Tel: 98 919 1323815/ Fax: 98 23 33448999; E-mail: sa_ghobakhloo@yahoo.com

Citation

Ghobakhloo, S., et al. Survey of the Fluoride Concentration in Drinking Water Sources and Determination of DMFT Index in 9-12 Years Old Students in Garmsar City, Semnan, Iran. (2018) J Environ Health Sci 4(1): 13- 19.

Copy rights

© 2018 Ghobakhloo, S . This is an Open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Keywords

Abstract

Background: Among all health issues, oral health is the first issue. This important matter, is now more pronounced in childhood, and is of significance concern to the Ministry of Health, Department of Education is also involved. DMFT index (decayed, missing, filled teeth) is the most important quantitative criterion for measuring tooth health. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine DMFT index in 9 - 12 year old students in Garmsar City and factors affecting their caries status and also to determine fluoride concentrations in drinking water in the studied area.
Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 500 students (260 girls and 240 boys) were randomly selected from public schools to assess the DMFT index. Clinical examination for diagnosis of caries was performed based on WHO criteria. Examination of subjects was conducted in the classroom and under the light of the flashlight using the catheter and mirror of the dentistry. The data were collected by a dentist after an interview and clinical examination. A questionnaire concerning socio-demographic characteristics, oral health and dietary habits was filled out. Drinking water fluoride concentration was measured in 144 samples collected from 12 water supplies using the SPADNS method. Data was analyzed using SPSS 18 software and presented as mean ± SD.
Results: The mean DMFT was 2.63 ± 2.39 (boys 3.25 and girls 2.22). The mean number of decayed, filled, missing teeth was 3.19 ± 2.34, 1.66 ± 0.83 and1.7 ± 0.95, respectively. Of the subjects surveyed, 20% were healthy. The difference between the DMFT index and its component D was significant with gender, but was not significant in components M and F. The mean fluoride concentration of the drinking water was 0.67 ± 0.14 mg/L, which is less than the normal range (1 mg/L). There is significant relationship between dental caries and father job (P value < 0.008) and mother education (P value < 0.001), economic condition of families (P value < 0.000), snacks and sweets consumption (P value < 0.005) mouthwash frequency and brushing (P value < 0.05) with number of decay teeth.
Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries in 9 - 12 year old students in Garmsar is higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) index. So, it is necessary to improve the existing dental services and to carry out preventive programs for students in the future. The primary public health measure for reducing oral infectious disease, from a dental perspective, is the use of topical fluorides (as toothpastes) and water fluoridation at appropriate levels of intake. The primary public health measure, from a nutrition perspective, is dietary balance and moderation in the adherence to dietary guidelines, food guides, and dietary reference intakes.