Assessment of the Relationship Between Fluoride Levels in Drinking Water and Dental Health Status in 11 to 13-Year-Old Students in Mashhad City

Oral and dental health is crucial to public health. The primary indices used to assess oral and dental health are DMFT and CPITN indices. This study aimed to evaluate the oral and dental health status of 11 to 13-year-old students in Mashhad City and its relationship with their water consumption and other related factors.  This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2021 on 1,232 students. Sampling was done from all hand-dug wells, semi-deep wells, deep wells, and qanats (underground channels) in the Mashhad region in 2021. All drinking water parameters were measured according to the standards outlined in "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater." Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. The mean DMFT index among Mashhad students was 0.98. The average fluoride content in drinking water was 0.38 milligrams per liter(mg/L), lower than the permissible fluoride level in drinking water. According to the relevant statistical tests, there was a significant relationship (p<0.05) between the DMFT index and daily water consumption, fluoride content in drinking water, and daily flossing. Furthermore, a significant relationship (p<0.05) was found between the CPITN index and toothbrush usage.     Given the significant association between fluoride content in drinking water and daily flossing with the DMFT index, it is essential to maintain fluoride levels in drinking water within the standard range. Moreover, oral health care practices, such as flossing and toothbrushing, should be taught to students.