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Correlation Between the Mineral Contents of Drinking Water and Dental Caries in Mangalore: A Cross-Sectional Study
Thara Chandran1, Audrey D'Cruz1, Radhakrishnan Kinattinkara2
1Department of Public Health Dentistry, AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS), Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, India, nitte.edu.in.
Background And Objectives:
Physicochemical properties of dental hard tissues are strongly influenced by the ionic concentration of saliva, which is partly determined by the ionic concentration of drinking water. While the role of fluoride ions in dental caries prevention has been documented, the effects of various other minerals have not been studied. This cross-sectional ecological study aimed to evaluate the relation between various trace elements in drinking water and dental caries experience among residents of Mangalore Taluk.
Methodology:
A multistage sampling method was used to select 31 of the 76 gram panchayats. Dental caries was assessed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) Index. Drinking water samples were collected from groundwater wells in the study area. A total of 31 water samples were collected, and minerals in the groundwater were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The correlation between the mineral concentration in drinking water and dental caries experience was checked using Spearman's rank correlation test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results:
The fluoride concentration in the study area was less than the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). A statistically insignificant weak positive correlation was found between fluoride in drinking water and dental caries. A significant, moderately negative correlation was identified between potassium and dental caries.
Conclusion:
This study suggests the potential protective association of potassium in the prevention of dental caries in a low-fluoride area of Mangalore. These results suggest that the interplay of minerals in drinking water contributes to the anticariogenic effect rather than single ions.
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