Dental fluorosis associated with drinking water from hot springs in Choma district in southern province,Zambia |
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Authors: | V Shitumbanuma F Tembo J M Tembo S Chilala E Van Ranst |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Zambia, 32379, Lusaka, Zambia;(2) Department of Geology, School of Mines, University of Zambia, 32379, Lusaka, Zambia;(3) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Zambia, 32379, Lusaka, Zambia;(4) Choma General Hospital, 630063 Choma, Zambia;(5) Laboratory of Soil Science, Geological Institute, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281 (S8), 9000 Gent, Belgium |
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Abstract: | This study was conducted to investigate the high incidence of mottled teeth among residents of an area with hot springs in
the Choma District of the Southern Province of Zambia. A survey involving 128 pupils was conducted at a Basic School to collect
data on pupil’s backgrounds and their main sources of drinking water between birth and age 7. A dental specialist examined
the pupils’ teeth and samples of drinking water were collected from locations where the majority of the pupils lived. It was
analysed for fluorides and other drinking water quality parameters. Results of the survey showed a highly significant (P < 0.001) association between pupils’ main sources of drinking water between birth and age 7 and the incidence of discoloured
teeth. All (100%) pupils who drank water from hot springs before age 7 had moderate to severe fluorosis, while the majority
(96.7%) of the pupils who drank water from other sources had no dental fluorosis. Fluoride concentrations ranged from 5.95
to 10.09 mg/l in water from hot springs, and from 0.03 to 0.6 mg/l in water from other sources. Fluoride levels in water from
hot spring water samples exceeded the 1.5 mg/l WHO guideline value for drinking water, while those in water from other sources
were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than this. We conclude that the high prevalence of mottled teeth among residents of the study area is a case
of endemic dental fluorosis associated with drinking water from hot springs containing high concentrations of fluoride. |
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Keywords: | Dental fluorosis Drinking water Faults Fluoride Granite Hot springs Zambia |
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