Fluoride Signatures in Groundwater and Dental Fluorosis in Permanent Teeth of School Children in Rural Areas of Haryana State, India

About 85% of rural population in India depends on groundwater for their domestic needs. Fluoride is a naturally occurring element found in groundwater of various regions of the world. High concentration of fluoride in drinking water may result in fluorosis. The disease is characterized by discolored and mottled teeth (dental fluorosis) or by permanent bone and joint damage (skeletal fluorosis). The fluoride-related problems are closely associated with climate; in tropical regions, people consume more water and are at a higher risk of fluorosis. Higher fluoride concentration may be found in groundwater, especially in areas with volcanic rocks. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the permissible upper limit for fluoride in drinking water is 1.0 mg/L.