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Reduced fluoride in drinking water leads to higher cavity rates and fewer fluorosis cases, particularly among younger populations.
A recent study from Saudi Arabia revealed that stopping community water fluoridation exhibits a lasting impact on dental health—leading to a noticeable increase in tooth decay and a decline in fluorosis cases.
The retrospective cross-sectional study examined 568 residents aged 6 to 50, using stratified random sampling across schools and public venues. Researchers used two established tools: the DMFT Index (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) to assess dental caries, and Dean’s Fluorosis Index to evaluate signs of fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride during tooth development.
Findings showed that adults had significantly higher DMFT scores (5.62) than children (3.98), indicating more extensive tooth decay. Fluorosis, however, was more common in adults (41%) when compared to children (18%), suggesting reduced fluoride exposure among the younger generation following the cessation of fluoridated well water.
When compared with historical data, both age groups demonstrated a significant rise in caries prevalence and a drop in fluorosis levels. Children aged 6–12 had notably lower decay rates than individuals aged 19–50, and multivariate regression analysis confirmed age as a strong predictor of cavity burden.
The findings highlight a public health trade-off: while reducing fluoride in the water supply may minimize the risk of dental fluorosis, it appears to come at the cost of increased susceptibility to cavities. Researchers emphasize the importance of carefully balancing fluoride exposure to maintain oral health while minimizing adverse effects.
Frontiers in Oral Health
Associations between community water fluoridation cessation and the prevalence of dental caries and fluorosis in Alrass city, Saudi Arabia
Murad Alrashdi
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