The Thylstrup and Fejerskov Index (TFI) is a commonly used fluorosis index, while the Modified Developmental Defects of Enamel index (DDE) is used to monitor all types of enamel defects. The DDE diffuse opacities score 2, includes all defects similar to fluorosis. These indices use different examining conditions, different numbers of index teeth, and compare different clinical appearances. Results are commonly reported as the number/percentage of subjects with at least one tooth affected by the different scores. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine how a change in the reporting of the data from the TFI and DDE could provide information about the extent of fluorosis/opacities. Methods: Children (354) with a mean age of 12.5 years were examined for dental fluorosis/opacities using the TFI and DDE index by a trained and calibrated examiner (R A). All were lifetime residents in a fluoridated area (0.8-1.0ppm). Results: Using the TFI, 54.2% of subjects had at least one index tooth with a TF score of 1, while 51.7% of subjects had at least one index tooth with a DDE score of 2. When the numbers of teeth affected were analyzed for both indices, 77.1% of those with fluorosis (TF score 1), and 78% of those with TF 2 or 3 had 1-4 teeth affected. Of those with diffuse opacities (DDE score 2), 62.3% had 1-4 teeth affected. Statistical analysis of these results is difficult because of the different prevalence and the different numbers of index teeth. Conclusions: The extent of fluorosis/opacities diagnosed with TF and DDE was low, with the majority of subjects having between one and four index teeth affected. Reporting the extent as the number of index teeth affected by different levels of fluorosis/opacities, may be of value in assessing the public health impact of dental fluorosis and opacities.

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