Dental fluorosis in children attending basic health units

Abstract

RESUMOwww.fob.usp.br -www.scielo.br bjectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis among patients attending basic health units in Londrina. Methods: Five basic health units of the urban area were randomly selected and 434 children attending these units, born between 1986 and 1989 (9 to 12 years of age), were examined. Diagnosis of dental fluorosis was performed by means of the Thylstrup and Fejerskov (TF) Index. Oral examinations were carried out by 5 previously trained dentists with the patients lying in the dental chair, under artificial light, preceded by prophylaxis, isolation with cotton rolls and air-drying of the teeth. Ten percent of the sample was reexamined and an almost perfect agreement on diagnostic criteria was obtained either on the intra-examiner or inter-examiner evaluation (K=1.00, p<0.0001). Results: The observed prevalence of dental fluorosis was 91.0%, and 87.8% of the individuals were classified as TF grade 2 or less. Conclusions: Despite of the low severity, the high prevalence observed shows the need for regular screening of dental fluorosis in Londrina; establishment of procedures to prevent the overutilization of fluoride both by the professionals and the population; sanitary surveillance of fluoride levels in water supply and also in all sources of fluoride available; besides the need for further studies to understand the factors associated to dental fluorosis among children living in Londrina. Uniterms: Dental fluorosis, epidemiology; Fluoride, adverse effects; Water fluoridation. bjetivos: Estabelecer a freqüência e severidade de fluorose dentária entre pacientes de clínicas odontológicas da rede de Unidades Básicas de Saúde de Londrina. Materiais e Métodos: Cinco Unidades Básicas de Saúde -zona urbana -foram sorteadas e 434 pacientes das clínicas odontológicas destas unidades de saúde, nascidos entre 1986 e 1989 (9 a 12 anos de idade), foram examinados. O diagnóstico da fluorose dentária foi feito utilizando-se o Índice Thylstrup e Fejerskov (TF). Os exames bucais foram realizados por cinco cirurgiões dentistas previamente treinados, com o paciente deitado, utilizando-se iluminação artificial, tendo-se procedido profilaxia, isolamento relativo e secagem dos dentes. Dez por cento da amostra foi reexaminada, tendo-se obtido concordância quase perfeita nos critérios de diagnóstico, tanto intra-examinador como interexaminadores (K=1.00, p< 0.0001). Resultados: A freqüência de fluorose dentária verificada foi de 91.0%, com 87.8% dos indivíduos classificados como TF grau 2 ou menor. Conclusões: A alta freqüência encontrada, embora a severidade tenha sido baixa, aponta a necessidade de monitoramento periódico da fluorose dentária em Londrina, de implementação de medidas que previnam a sobre-utilização do flúor, tanto pelos profissionais quanto pela população, de vigilância sanitária dos teores de flúor na água de consumo público e de todas outras fontes de exposição além da realização de estudos para a compreensão dos fatores...

Agreement in the diagnosis of dental fluorosis in central incisors performed by a standardized photographic method and clinical examination

“…Both cities have optimally adjusted fluoridated water [0.7 parts per million of fluoride (ppm F); range 0.6-0.8ppm F]. The eligibility criteria included children without dental fluorosis and children with a very mild degree of dental fluorosis, since the very mild degree is the most prevalent degree of dental fluorosis in children living in areas with optimally fluoridated water supply 6,12,17,18 .…”

Hubungan Dental Fluorosis Dengan Kandungan Fluor Pada Air Sumur Di Kecamatan Ratatotok Kabupaten Minahasa Tenggara

“…Browne et al merekomendasikan 2 hal yaitu anak-anak yang berumur kurang dari 2 tahun sebaiknya tidak menggunakan pasta gigi saat menyikat gigi dan batas kandungan fluor pada pasta gigi yaitu tidak melebihi 0,25 g/L. 14,15 Woolfolk et al, 16 melakukan penelitian terhadap 543 anak sekolah di daerah rural Michigan dan menemukan bahwa sebesar 22% anak-anak tersebut mengalami dental fluorosis. Penambahan fluor pada makanan memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan terjadinya dental fluorosis.…”