Epidemiologic survey of dental fluorosis and caries in Xinjiang

Objectives: To assess the relationship between dental fluorosis and caries, and their prevalence features in school students in Wensu county in Xinjang. Methods: The study groups consisted of 1 527 Weuer and Han students at the age of 6 to16. Dental fluorosis and caries were assessed strictly by Dean's Classification Standard and WHO "Oral Health Surveys Basic Methods" ( the 3rd ed). The concentration of fluorine in water and urine was measured by using selective electrod. Results: The prevalence and index of dental fluorosis in Weuer and Han students were 73.70% ,64.67%, 1.647,1.303, respectively.The prevalence of dental caries and DMFF were 61.19% ,42.66%, 1. 648, 1. 023 respectively. The corresponding values were 51.94% ,52.99% ,1,305,1.449 for students of fluorosis group and non-fluorosis group, respectively. The fluorine degree of water was 2`5mg/L, the average value of fluorine in urine was 3.64mg/L in Han students, and 5.28mg/L in Weuer students. Conclusions: The prevalence of dental caries didn' t decrease, eventhough the prevalence of fluorosis was high in Wensu county. The prevalence of fluorosis and dental caries in Weuer students were significantly higher than those in Han students. It showed no significant difference between the group of fluorosis and the group of non-fluorosis in the prevalence of dental caries, perhaps due to the high fluorine intake, poor oral hygiene, and unqualified medical service.