Reversal of clinical and dental fluorosis

A large number of Indians are forced to consume fluoride contaminated water. Toxic effects of chronic fluoride ingestion are hitherto considered irreversible. In this study 20 children were selected from an area consuming water containing 4.5 ppm of fluoride (Group A) and a second sample of 20 children from another area consuming water containing 8.5 ppm of fluoride (Group B). All the children were in an age group of 3 to 12 years and weighed 12 to 25 kg. Both samples were graded for clinical, radiological and dental fluorosis. All grades of manifestations were observed. These children were given ascorbic acid (500 mg), calcium (250 mg) and vitamin D3 (800 IU) daily. Follow up revealed reversal of clinical and dental fluorosis after 44 days. Improvement in the Group B sample was slower than Group A. Dosage of ascorbic acid was increased to 750 mg per day, keeping the dosages of other drugs unchanged to Group B children. After 15 days of the revised therapy a marked improvement was noticed in clinical and dental fluorosis in this sample also.