Dental fluorosis in rural communities of Chihuahua, Mexico

A quantitative assessment of dental fluorosis (DF) was made in 33 rural communities in the arid northwestern state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The assessment was conducted through a convenience sampling of the population. The DF index of Dean was correlated with the fluoride (F) concentration in drinking water. The overall prevalence of DF was 81.7% with individuals having the most DF residing in communities with a mean water F concentration of 3.74 mg/L. A statistical association was found between moderate-severe DF and low calcium consumption (Odds Ratio = 1.9, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.1, 3.5). This association remained significant, even after adjusting for dietary calcium and water ingestion (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.4). Implications for environmental health policies are discussed.