Effects of fluorosis and its prevention: Review

Fluoride contamination in drinking water has been documented as one of the major problems worldwide which is a serious threat to human health. Prolonged ingestion of fluoride through drinking water in excess of the daily requirement is associated with dental and skeletal Fluorosis. The WHO and BIS has decided fluoride concentration up to 1-1.5 mg/L as a permissible limit for drinking. The concentration of fluoride in the level of 1.5-4mg/L results in dental fluorosis whereas prolonged consumption at still higher fluoride concentrations (4-10mg/L) will cause dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis. This review article is aimed at providing precise information about fluorosis, its ill effects and prevention in INDIA.