Effect of drinking water fluoridation on the prevalence of otosclerosis

The effect of drinking water fluoridation on the prevalence of clinical otosclerosis was investigated in an area where the natural waters have a very low fluoride content. The methods included a retrospective chart review and a residential history questionnaire. Only subjects born between 1948 and 1962 were included. In this age group, the prevalence of clinical otosclerosis was found to be 0.35 per cent of persons exposed to fluoridated tap water and 0.32 per cent of those consuming fluoride-poor water. It seems that a sodium fluoride intake of 1 to 3 mg daily cannot prevent the development of clinical otosclerosis in a low-fluoride area.