WATER DEFLUORIDATION- NEED OF THE HOUR

Abstract

Fluorosis, both dental and skeletal fluorosis is an ever- existing epidemic that has spread in many places throughout the world. It is widespread in both developed as well as the developing countries. Fluorosis being irreversible in nature, the best approach towards reducing the global prevalence remains to be fluoride mitigation. Mitigation of fluoride in water can be done at a community level as well as the household level. The procedure to be chosen for the same should be based on several factors such as feasibility of the procedure, cost efficiency, need and the local resources available. The ultimate aim should be to have a water supply or drinking water containing optimal concentration of the fluoride ions, enough to prevent dental caries and not cause dental or skeletal fluorosis. Water fluoridation hence remains the need of the hour.