Root Canal Treatment Rate in Deciduous Teeth Among 6-Year- Olds in the Era of Discontinuing Water Fluoridation - Historical Cohort Study

Authors:

DOI: 10.23880/oajds-16000414

Volume 10, Issue 3

Abstract

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by forming fluoroapatite, a compound more resistant to acid than hydroxyapatite in tooth enamel. Without fluoride, dental caries can progress to the pulp of the tooth, potentially requiring root canal treatment. In Israel, community water fluoridation was mandatory in cities with over 5,000 residents from 1998 until it was discontinued in 2014. This study examines the effect of community water fluoridation on socioeconomic disparities in dental health, focusing on the prevalence of root canal treatments in deciduous teeth among 6-year-old children. A retrospective analysis was conducted using computerized dental records from 2014–2015 (with fluoridation) and 2016–2022 (without fluoridation). The data included dental checkups and root canal treatments in deciduous teeth. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Result: Showed that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds had higher rates of root canal treatments, especially in areas without fluoridated water. In contrast, children from higher socioeconomic groups had relatively stable treatment rates regardless of fluoridation status. Across all groups, boys had more root canal treatments than girls. Conclusion: Community water fluoridation can reduce socioeconomic disparities by reducing the incidence of root canal treatment in deciduous teeth.

Keywords: Community Water Fluoridation; Equity in Health; Root Canal Treatment; Caries Prevention

View PDF