The Aurora-Rockford, Ill., Study II. Effect Of Natural Fluoride on the Periodontal Health of Adults

Abstract

Relative prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were determined for 906 white, lifetime residents, aged 18-70 years, in Aurora, Illinois, with water containing an optimal concentration of natural fluoride (1.2ppm) and 948 similar natives of Rockford, Illinois, with fluoride deficient water (0.1ppm of fluoride). Degree of oral cleanliness was estimated also. Although the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were high in both cities somewhat lower severity of disease was found at each age level in continuous residents of the naturally fluoridated city. The percentage of persons with one or more periodontal pockets was significantly higher in Rockford. Calculus was equally present, indicating that the continuous consumption of optimally fluoridated water neither promotes nor inhibits calculus deposition. Differences in severity of periodontal disease may be due indirectly to disparity in caries rates found between natives of the 2 cities. Fluoridated water may also have a deterrent influence on the progress of destructive disease once established.