Prevalence of dental fluorosis among 12-15 years old school children in Zeway, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction Fluoride at an optimum level does not only decrease the incidence of dental caries but also maintains the integrity of oral tissues. While fluoride is accepted as being effective in the prevention of caries, the excessive consumption of fluoride can put bones and teeth at risk of developing fluorosis. Dental fluorosis is a condition affecting teeth and is caused by an increased intake of fluoride over an extended period during tooth development. Purpose The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental fluorosis among school children from 12-15 years of age in Zeway, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between June 5, 2018, and July 9, 2018. A total of 1290 school children participated in the study. The prevalence of dental fluorosis among the studied population was assessed by using the World Health Organization’s oral health assessment form (1997). Result The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis among the studied population was 70.3%. The prevalence varies among residents in different social settings, for example, it was 67.6%, 88.1%, and 88.3% among urban, semi-urban, and rural study participants. The prevalence was more in males (70.7%) than females (70%). Conclusion The high prevalence of dental fluorosis suggests that fluorosis is a major public health problem in the study area. In the planning of general strategic interventions, including water treatment and social awareness creation, more attention needs to be given to the rural and semi-urban communities on Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Keywords

• Dental flourosis
• Prevalence
• school children