Oral health-related quality of life among 12–15-year children suffering from dental fluorosis residing at endemic fluoride belt of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Introduction: Dental fluorosis, a specific disturbance in tooth formation and an esthetic condition, is defined as a chronic fluoride-induced condition in which enamel development is disrupted, and the enamel is hypomineralized. There is potential for excessive exposure to fluorides to cause dental fluorosis, which may change the appearance of teeth and cause negative impacts on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of dental fluorosis on the OHRQoL of 12–15-year-old children residing at an endemic belt of Uttar Pradesh. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was done with the sample of 220 children aged 12–15 years residing at endemic belt (5.35 ppm f/L) of Uttar Pradesh. Dental fluorosis was measured using Dean's fluorosis index-modified (1942) and quality of life of children was assessed with the help of child's perception questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were used for analysis. Results: The mean overall OHRQoL score for children with questionable fluorosis was 73.9 ± 7.51 and with very mild fluorosis was 81.9 ± 6.88. Statistically significant difference was found across self-assessment (P = 0.012), oral symptoms (P = 0.018), functional limitation (P < 0.001), and spare time activity (P = 0.007) based on dental fluorosis status. Conclusion: This study concluded that there was a high prevalence of dental fluorosis in this area and also dental fluorosis has a greater effect as well as the impact on the OHRQoL.