Factors associated with dental fluorosis in three zones of Ecuador.

Ac Armas-Vega,Mf Mayorga-Solorzano,Ms Rivera-Martinez,Fd Gonzalez-Martinez,Ve Banderas-Benitez,Of Guevara-Cabrera

doi:10.4317/jced.55124

Abstract

BackgroundTo determine the prevalence of dental fluorosis in 10-12 year-old school children, in three provinces of the inter-andean Region of Ecuador: Imbabura, Pichincha and Chimborazo, as well as the relationship between certain factors, considering that the latest studies go back to the year 2009.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional and observational study was proposed. A sample of 599 was calculated at 95% of confidence considering population projections for children between 10 and 12 old of three zones of Ecuador. However, 608 school children, who had the acceptance and informed consent of their parents to participate, completed a survey about factors associated with dental fluorosis. Once the survey was completed, the vestibular surfaces of the upper and lower anterior teeth of the infant were photographed, following standardized distance and light procedures. Three evaluators, trained in the detection of fluorosis using the Thylstrup and Fejerskov index, analyzed the photographs. The Stata 13.0 software was used for the statistical analysis, with a level of significance of 5% and with a confidence interval of 95%. To relate the risk factor of fluorosis, a multinomial logistic model was used.ResultsThe prevalence of dental fluorosis was of 89.96%, with a greater presence of grade 2 TF. A positive statistical relationship and statistical significance was detected between dental fluorosis and consumption of bottled beverages. Also the amount of toothpaste used and its ingestion during brushing (p = 0.000) were analyzed.ConclusionsThe populations evaluated, that are related to the consumption of bottled beverages and involuntary toothpaste ingestion, and have a high prevalence of a mild level of fluorosis. Key words:Fluorosis, dental, risk factors, epidemiology.

Highlights

Dental fluorosis is considered an endemic pathology [1], which appears with mottled enamel
The presence of fluorosis in various regions of Ecuador has been reported, especially in central highland areas [16]; it is related to the appearance of high levels of fluoride in the water supply network; different studies conducted in the same region report a normal fluoride concentration [17], suggesting that there are other factors that produce dental fluorosis
Material and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was proposed to determine the rate of dental fluorosis

Summary

Introduction

Dental fluorosis is considered an endemic pathology [1], which appears with mottled enamel. The presence of fluorosis in various regions of Ecuador has been reported, especially in central highland areas [16]; it is related to the appearance of high levels of fluoride in the water supply network; different studies conducted in the same region report a normal fluoride concentration [17], suggesting that there are other factors that produce dental fluorosis. For this reason, one of the goals of this study is to determine the relationship of these factors with the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren, between 10-12 years of age, fromPimampiro, Imbabura Province; ̈Colta, Chimborazo Province, andQuito, Pichincha Province. Conclusions: The populations evaluated, that are related to the consumption of bottled beverages and involuntary toothpaste ingestion, and have a high prevalence of a mild level of fluorosis

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion