Method: Learners aged 12-15 years and who had been life long residents in their respective areas were selected from schools in Leeu Gamka, Merweville, Nelspoort and Murraysburg. All the children meeting the inclusion criteria were included realising a total sample of 189. Drinking water fluoride concentration of each town was determined and concommitant fluorosis affliction was assessed. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to determine respondents rated perceptions of fluorosis.
Results: In Leeu Gamka, with the highest fluoride concentration ([F] = 1.62 ppm), 82% of respondents were aware of fluorosis stains as opposed to 6%-20% awareness in Merweville ([F] = 0.68 ppm), Nelspoort ( [F] = 0.70) and Murraysburg ([F] = 0.56 ppm). Two thirds of respondents in Leeu Gamka found the appearance of their teeth embarrassing compared to only 2%-10% in the other 3 areas. The majority of respondents in Leeu Gamka (82%) indicated that they would want to remove the fluorosis spots with only 4%-20% in the lower fluoride areas. Two thirds (67%) of Leeu Gamka respondents were teased compared to 2%-6% in the other areas. Most of the respondents have not tried to do anything to the appearance of the teeth, even in the higher fluoride area of Leeu Gamka.
Conclusion: The respondents from the higher fluoride area were more aware of dental fluorosis, had a greater perception of embarrassment and the strongest desire to remove the fluorosis staining.