Journal of Dental Research, Vol 68, 1238-1241, Copyright © 1989 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
The effects of airborne fluorides on oral conditions in Morocco
Y. Haikel, P. M. Cahen, J. C. Turlot and R. M. Frank
Unite INSERM U157, CNRS URA 588, Faculte de Chirurgie Dentaire, Universite Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of
dental caries and dental fluorosis, as well as various other oral
conditions, in 2378 subjects (ages seven to 60) living in the fluoridated
area of Khouribga and the non-fluoridated area of Beni Mellal, Morocco. The
community index of dental fluorosis (CFI) ranged from 1.99 to 2.80 in the
high-fluoride area: Over 90% of the population was affected, and more than
one-third of the subjects showed moderate dental fluorosis. However, in
Beni Mellal, more than 96% of the dentate subjects examined were free of
dental fluorosis, and the CFI of 0.02 was considered not significant.
Significant differences were observed between the two areas with respect to
caries prevalence. DMFT and DMFS indices were markedly lower in the
fluorosis area of Khouribga. The oral conditions of subjects appeared to be
better in Khouribga, where the gingival and calculus indices were
significantly lower than in Beni Mellal. The analyses of covariance showed
no significant differences in plaque accumulation (PI) between the
Khouribga and Beni Mellal samples. However, a close statistical correlation
was found between PI and GI in Beni Mellal and Khouribga.
