Abstract

Dr. Nazam Lakhani* and K. L. Vandana

ABSTRACT

Aim: The literature on effect of fluoride on dental caries is well discussed in contrast to periodontal tissues. However a recent review has explored an epidemiological association between fluorosis and periodontal disease and also the influence of fluorosis on periodontal structures along with the comparison of influence of periodontal treatment on fluorosed and non fluorosed teeth. There is a scarcity in literature dealing with effect of fluorosis on biological tissues like bone. Alveolar bone which is an integral part of periodontium similar to extremities has not been studied for mechanical, histologic and mineral aspects of fluorosed bone. Hence the aim was to study the microhardness of fluorosed and nonfluorosed femoral bone. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 healthy nonfluorosed and fluorosed bone (femur) specimens were collected to assess and compare the microhardness (Vickers hardness tester) of fluorosed versus non fluorosed bone. 2 fluorosed specimens were not subjected for the analysis due to required size for measurements of 3 parameters was not adequate. Results: The results of the study showed that the mean hardness of the fluorosed bone (222.4 ±4.24) was lower compared to non fluorosed bone (294.4±49.36) and was highly statistically significant. Conclusion: The observed changes in microhardness would influence the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and/or outcome of periodontal treatment. Dental fluorosis may soon be designated as environmental risk factor in endemic fluorosed area. Clinicians have to pay attention to treatment of fluorosed and nonfluorosed roots.