Abstract

The optimal amount of fluoride in drinking water is just one of the factors that positively influence the occurrence of dental caries and has an effect on the oral health of the population of the Republic of Macedonia. The correlation existing between dental fluorosis and fluorine concentration in water is based on average water consumption, a condition that depends directly from air temperature and local climate conditions. The climate in the Republic of Macedonia is characterized by the interweaving of Mediterranean and continental influences, and on very specific way the mild Mediterranean climate collide with the harsh continental climate. Mediterranean influences create a dry and hot summer, and continental influences cold and wet winter. The average annual temperature in our country is 11.5 ℃. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average air temperature of 22.2 ℃, while the coldest is January with an average temperature of 0.3 ℃. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia expand between 40°50' and 42°20' north geographic latitude and 20°27' and 23°05' east geographic length. To provide protection against dental caries, we need to determine the optimal concentration of fluoride in drinking water using the mean annual air temperature. Тhe majority of the population in the Republic of Macedonia used is supplied by drinking water from groundwater, from carbonates springs.

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