Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most frequent chronic disorders affecting children worldwide and affects their health, academic performance, and quality of life. Community water fluoridation has helped prevent dental cavities by inhibiting bacterial activity and improving tooth enamel remineralisation. Caries prevalence may rise, especially in susceptible groups like children, once fluoride ends. The repercussions of this policy change must be understood to inform future public health activities.
Objective: This research aims to determine wide spread of severe dental caries after water fluoridation halted in Bihar. The study examines age and socioeconomic level changes in children’s caries development and progression when fluoride was removed from the water supply.
Methods: From January 2022 to March 2024, 500 6-to-12-year-olds participated in this retrospective study. This data came from department of Dentistry of Patna’s Nalanda Medical College and Hospital & Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Nalanda Bihar in O.P.D
. clinic records. Caries prevalence was determined by clinical dental examinations before and after fluoride cessation. Mild, moderate, and severe caries existed. The statistical significance of post-cessation caries prevalence and severity changes was examined using applicable software.
Results: The study found that dental caries prevalence rose from 45% to 70% following discontinuation. Caries prevalence increased greatest in 6 –12-year-olds. Lower-income children had a disproportionately greater risk of moderate to severe caries. After fluoridation ended, dental caries incidence and severity increased statistically.
Conclusion: According to the results, dental caries in children has increased dramatically after community water fluoridation was removed. These findings emphasise the need for innovative cavity prevention methods in children and fluoridation program reform.