Prevalence, Severity and self-perception of dental fluorosis

Objectives:The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence an severity of dental fluorosis in schoolchildren aged 12 and its dental fluorosis self-perception. Methods:This study was observational, cross-sectional and analytical. A total of 496 schoolchildren of the fluoridated area from the city of Birigui, São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, were selected to participate of this study. The children were examined by two calibrated dentists, after a kappa>0.80. To assess the prevalence of fluorosis, clinical examinations were performed according to the WHO methodology 4 th edition. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate dental fluorosis self-perception. The statistical analysis was the Chi-squared test with a 5% significance level. Results: Of the total number of children examined, 259 (52%) were female and 237 (48%) were male. In regard to the fluorosis prevalence, 320 (63.9%) of the children presented this condition, while 176 children (36.1%) presented a normal condition. In regard to the severity of fluorosis, few children presented several alterations; the very light and light levels of fluorosis were the most frequently scores founded, without influence in the quality of life of the schoolchildren. The results were not significant for either fluorosis self-perception and gender or self-perception and fluorosis gravity. Conclusions: The results showed that the prevalence of dental fluorosis was high but the severity was low.