Drinking Water Fluoride Levels, Dental Fluorosis, and Caries Experience in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to consider the association between water fluoride levels and caries prevalence in three Brazilian populations. METHODS: A total of 457 6-12-year-old lifetime residents from three economically deprived groups with 2-3, 0.7, and less than 0.01 ppm F in their water supplies were examined. Dental caries was recorded on permanent upper central incisors and first molars and all primary teeth (dmft). RESULTS: There was a significant trend (P < 01) for the mean dmft to decrease with increasing levels of fluoride in the drinking water. Caries experience in the six permanent teeth was significantly lower (P < 01) in the area with 0.7 ppm F than in the other two groups For the 2-3 ppm F group significantly more caries was found in subjects with higher TF scores (P < 05). CONCLUSION: Optimization of fluoride levels in the drinking water remains a valuable dental public health measure in Brazil.