Endemic fluorosis in ceylon

Abstract

Endemic dental fluorosis is very common in the North Central Province of Ceylon where 55·2–77·0% of school children have mottled teeth. A fluoride concentration of as high as 9 p.p.m. has been found in this area. There is no fluoride in the water in the Central hill area. There was a striking difference in the prevalence of caries in the two areas. Although there was a good correlation between dental fluorosis and the presence of fluorine in drinking water, in some subjects the fluoride in drinking water could not explain the presence of dental fluorosis.