Determination of optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water in an area in India with dental fluorosis.

The present study was made to determine the optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water in a fluorotic zone. The area under study was divided in four parts on the basis of fluorides present in drinking water. A sample of 1320 persons was examinmed, where prevalence of dental fluorosis varied from 3.8% to 65.4% depending on the fluoride concentration in drinking water. Statistically significant increase in the prevalence of dental fluorosis was found (a) with the rise in fluoride in drinking water, (b) with the rise in age, peak being found at 15--19 years age group and (c) amongst the bona fide residents of the area. A significant positive correlation was found between fluoride in drinking water and Community Fluorosis Index. While determining the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water, values obtained were 1.05 parts/10(6), 0.8 parts/10(6) and 0.34 part/10(6), respectively, by different formulae in a fluorotic zone of western Indian.