Risk Factors of Dental Fluorosis and Fluoride Content in Drinking Water in the Far North Regionof Cameroon

BACKGROUND Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of enamel that results from ingestion of high amounts of fluoride during tooth mineralization. Consumption of untreated fluoridated ground water remains the main cause of dental fluorosis. AIM To establish the risk factors of dental fluorosis in three communities of the Far North Region of Cameroon. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted on individuals who have lived for a minimum of 6 years in Far North Region of Cameroon using structured questionnaires and oral examination. The Thylstrup and Fejerskov index was used in evaluating the severity of dental fluorosis. Fluoride contents of drinking water were analysed using fluoride electrodes. RESULTS A total of 1971 persons mean of age 17.15(SD = ± 16.18), (85.64%) born in the study area participated in the study. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 89.1%. Fluorosis was first observed between the ages of 1 to 10 years old, 1781(90.01%) perceived dental fluorosis to be normal, 1772(89.90%) did not know the cause of dental fluorosis in their community. A TFI score of 0 was recorded by 10.9% of the population with higher scores in females 3.04(SD = ± 2.3 SD), illiterates 3.31(± 2.45), farmers 3.49(± 2.3 SD) and those who lived in their own homes 3.06(± 2.31 SD). Sources of drinking water included borehole 61.6%, 47.4% well water,2.2% bottled water while 80% used toothpaste for brushing. One out of five commercial bottled water brands had higher than normal fluoride content (1.60mgF/L), pipe borne water 1.7mgF/L, wells 1.90mgF/L, boreholes 2.80mg F/L while 51.2% of the population presented with mild fluorosis and 23.7% severe fluorosis. CONCLUSION The prevalence of dental fluorosis was extremely high. Consumption of ground water was the major risk factor of dental fluorosis.