Assessment of caries pattern among 6-14 years school children in low, optimal and high fluoride areas in Tumkur district in Karnataka

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Fluoride continues to be the cornerstone of the caries prevention program. This study was done to assess the effect of different levels of fluoride on caries pattern among 6-14 years boys and girls in Tumkur district in Karnataka. Totally, 1460 schoolchildren aged 6-14 years who were permanent residents of that region were interviewed and examined for caries pattern. The results showed that the percentage of children with total carious status was significantly higher in low fluoride areas compared to optimal and high fluoride areas. The percentage of school children with pit and fissure caries pattern were more in high fluoride areas compared to optimal and low fluoride areas in both deciduous and permanent dentition and it was statistically significant