A Linossier1, P Carvajal, E Donoso, M Orrego. 1. Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Odontología, Urgencia Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile. alinossi@abello.dic.uchile.cl
Abstract
BACKGROUND: High fluorine concentrations in drinking water are associated with a decrease in the amount of salivary S mutants. Taking into account that clinical dental fluorosis can appear with 1.5 ppm of fluorine in the drinking water, fluorine concentrations in Mamiña is 2.4 ppm. AIM: To quantify salivary S mutans in school age children from Mamiña, a zone with a high fluorine content in the drinking water, during one year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 1997 and 1998, dental health was assessed and salivary samples were obtained from 51 children (27 male) aged 10 +/- 2 years to quantify S mutans. RESULTS: Most children studied had more than 10(5) salivary S mutans colony forming units. No changes in the rates of infection or dental health characteristics were observed during the observation year. CONCLUSIONS: High fluorine content in the drinking water did not have an effect on salivary S mutans infection in this population.
BACKGROUND: High fluorine concentrations in drinking water are associated with a decrease in the amount of salivary S mutants. Taking into account that clinical dental fluorosis can appear with 1.5 ppm of fluorine in the drinking water, fluorine concentrations in Mamiña is 2.4 ppm. AIM: To quantify salivary S mutans in school age children from Mamiña, a zone with a high fluorine content in the drinking water, during one year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During 1997 and 1998, dental health was assessed and salivary samples were obtained from 51 children (27 male) aged 10 +/- 2 years to quantify S mutans. RESULTS: Most children studied had more than 10(5) salivary S mutans colony forming units. No changes in the rates of infection or dental health characteristics were observed during the observation year. CONCLUSIONS: High fluorine content in the drinking water did not have an effect on salivary S mutans infection in this population.