Prevalence, severity and pattern of dental fluorosis among a group of children in Dahmar-Yemen

Abstract EN

Background : Dental fluorosis is an irreversible condition caused by excessive fluoride ingestion during the tooth formation.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence, severity and pattern of dental fluorosis of the primary and permanent dentitions.

Materials and Methods : A random sample of one hundred eighty children aged 6-12 years were examined by using dean’s fluorosis index – modified criteria.

Results : The prevalence of dental fluorosis was 77.8 %.

Permanent teeth fluorosis was higher than primary teeth fluorosis which was relatively uncommon.

Dental fluorosis was most frequently seen on the posterior teeth (particularly the molars).

42.9 % of the children had a moderate type of fluorosis.

Dental fluorosis was more prevalent among males than females.

Both early and late forming teeth were affected by fluorosis.

Upper teeth were more affected than the lower teeth.

There was a high degree of bilateral symmetry.

Conclusion : Dental fluorosis was prevalent in both primary and permanent dentitions ; it was a moderate public health problem.

The high prevalence and severity of fluorosis emphasized the need to study the risk factors determining dental fluorosis in Dahmar Village rather than water fluoridation.