Root caries in an optimally fluoridated and a high-fluoride community

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Fluoride Research

Background:

• Root caries poses a significant oral health challenge, particularly in aging populations.
• Drinking water fluoride levels vary geographically, impacting community oral health outcomes.
• Previous research suggests a link between fluoride exposure and reduced caries, but community-specific data on root caries is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and compare the prevalence and distribution of root caries in two New Mexico communities with differing natural water fluoride concentrations.
• To investigate factors associated with root caries, including age, oral hygiene, periodontal status, and community of residence.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving dental examinations of 151 adults in Deming (0.7 mg/L fluoride) and 164 adults in Lordsburg (3.5 mg/L fluoride).
• Participants were lifelong residents of their respective communities.
• Data collected included prevalence of root caries, number of lesions, gingival recession, plaque and calculus scores, and demographic information.

Main Results:

• Root caries prevalence was substantially lower in Lordsburg (7.3%) compared to Deming (23.8%).
• Mean number of root caries lesions was significantly higher in Deming (0.69) than in Lordsburg (0.08) (p < 0.0001).
• City of residence was the primary predictor of root caries, with higher fluoride levels associated with lower prevalence, even with greater gingival recession in the higher fluoride community.

Conclusions:

• Drinking water fluoride concentration is a major determinant of root caries experience.
• Optimal fluoride levels in drinking water are crucial for preventing root caries.
• Findings support the public health strategy of community water fluoridation for caries prevention.