Intake of high concentrations of fluoride in drinking water can cause dental fluorosis. In this study, the prevalence of dental fluorosis in rural communities of East Azerbaijan province was studied. 3 villages of Bashsizkooh in Bostanabad (fluoride concentration = 0.12mg/L), Nagharehkub in Ahar (0.6 mg/L new water source, 1.1-1.2 mg/L old source) and Gharehbolaq in Jolfa (0.35 mg/L new water source and 2.4 mg/L old source) were selected as low, medium and high exposure to fluoride, respectively. All of residents above 6 years old were examined. Quality of water resources was determined by previous quality history and conducting new analysis.

Dental fluorosis was observed in 62.7 % of studied people. In 31.5% of participants, fluorosis Grade 1, in 22.4 % of participants fluorosis grade 2, in 7.7 % of participants fluorosis grade 3 and finally fluorosis grade 4 was observed in 4 patients. In villages of Gharebolaq, Nagharehkub and Bashsizkooh 83.3% 70.5 % and 32.5 % of people had some degree of fluorosis, respectively. There was a significant difference in prevalence of fluorosis between villages (P < 0.001). Fluorosis was observed in both of permanent and temporary teeth. Mean cumulative fluoride index in people with and without fluorosis was 22660.2 and 4743.2mg, respectively. There was a correlation between the index and fluorosis (r =0.413). In all studied villages even Bashsizkooh different scores of fluorosis was endemic. It is required to be adapted new look and approach by responsible authorities for intake of fluoride from drinking water.

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1. Analysis of fluoride in drinking water of East Azerbaijan Province, Iran