The results of a survey of the prevalence of dental caries in 7-12 year-old school children of Araraquara, S. Paulo, Brazil users of fluoridated water are presented. The purpose of the survey was to discover both the prevalence of dental caries and the amount of dental treatment offered to the school population. The data have been organized to show the DMF index difference between children born and reared in the city and those neither born nor continuously resident in the city. As no significant statistical difference was observed between these groups (except among the 12 year olds) the fluoride concentration in public water was examined and its absence was detected.
Dental caries; Araraquara, SP, Brazil; School Children; DMF index
