Oral health behaviors of children from dental fluorosis endemic areas

Abstract

Introduction. Currently, dental fluorosis is one of the most common causes of aesthetic dysregulation of the stomatognathic system, which causes changes in the psycho-emotional balance of children. In the Republic of Moldova there are several endemic areas, where the fluoride content in drinking water exceeds the maximum permissible values. At the same time, most patients with dental fluorosis do not have sufficient information for the proper care of the oral cavity and the annihilation or reduction of the consequences of chronic fluoride poisoning. Aim of study. Evaluation of the level of information and behavior towards oral health of children in endemic areas of dental fluorosis. Methods and materials. To carry out this study, an educational institution from the city of Rîșcani was selected, being an endemic area of fluorosis, and the level of fluoride varies within the limits of 7-10 mg/l. 78 children between the ages of 7 and 18 who were born and live permanently in this locality were included in the study. The objective clinical examination of the oral cavity was performed, and the children's sanogenic attitudes and behaviors were evaluated by means of a questionnaire developed by us. The questionnaire included questions regarding the knowledge about the causes and risk factors for dental fluorosis, and his attitude towards the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, the smile, the frequency of visits to the dentist, the particularities of the hygienic care of the oral cavity and measures to prevent dental fluorosis and maintain health oral. The research was carried out in accordance with the ethical requirements, with the written consent of the parents being obtained for the children's participation in this study. The analysis of the obtained data was carried out using Software Excel and Epi Info, with the help of their functions and modules. Results. Of the total number of children examined, 74.36 % of the subjects showed signs of dental fluorosis. In the study it was found that 11.53% of children have not visited the dentist in the last 2 years, 48.72% do not know whether the toothpaste contains fluoride or not, 58.97% - do not have any information about the effect of fluoride on dental hard tissues, 52.56% do not know the causes and risk factors for dental fluorosis, 51.28% do not sanitize the oral cavity daily, 75.64% - feel psycho-emotional discomfort due to the appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis, 88, 46% - want to change the aesthetic appearance of the smile. Conclusion. In this study, the insufficient level of information of 58.97% and the inappropriate behavior of at least 51.28% of the children in endemic areas of dental fluorosis were detected. Taking into account the impressive number of the population of the Republic of Moldova that permanently lives in endemic areas of dental fluorosis, it is necessary to initiate and carry out educational and oral health programs aimed at preventing dental diseases and strengthening the health of the growing generation. dysregulation of the stomatognathic system, which cause s changes in the psycho-emotional balance of children. In the Republic of Moldova there are several endemic areas, where the fluoride content in drinking water exceeds the maximum permissible va lues. At the same time, most patients with dental fluorosis do not have sufficient info rmation for the proper care of the oral cavity and the annihilation or reduction of the consequences of chronic fluoride poisoning. Aim of study. Evaluation of the level of information and behavior towa rds oral health of children in endemic areas of dental fluorosis. Methods and materials. To carry out this study, an educational institution from the city of Rîșcani was selected, being an endemic area of fluorosis, and the level of fluoride varies within the limits of 7-10 mg/l. 78 children between the ages of 7 and 18 who were born and live permanently in this locality were included in the study. The objective clinical examination of the oral cavity was performed, and the children's sanogenic attitudes and behaviors we re evaluated by means of a questionnaire developed by us. The questionnaire included questions regarding the knowledge about the causes and risk factors for dental fluorosis, a nd his attitude towards the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, the smile, the frequency of visit s to the dentist, the particularities of the hygienic care of the oral cavity and measures to prevent de ntal fluorosis and maintain health oral. The research was carried out in accordance with the ethi cal requirements, with the written consent of the parents being obtained for the children's participati on in this study. The analysis of the obtained data was carried out using Software Excel and Epi Info, with the help of their functions and modules. Results. Of the total number of children examined, 74.36 % of the subjects showed signs of dental fluorosis. In the study it was found that 11.53% of children have not visited the dentist in the last 2 years, 48.72% do not know whether the toothpaste contains fluoride o r not, 58.97% - do not have any information about the effect of fluoride on dental har d tissues, 52.56% do not know the causes and risk factors for dental fluorosis, 51.28% do not sanitize t he oral cavity daily, 75.64% - feel psycho-emotional discomfort due to the appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis, 88, 46% - want to change the aesthetic appearance of the smile. Conclusion. In this study, the insufficient level of information of 58.97% and the inappropriate behavior of at least 51.28% of the children in endemic areas of dental fluorosis were detected. Taking into account the impressive number of the population of the Republic of Moldova that permanently lives in endemic areas of dental fluorosis, i t is necessary to initiate and carry out educational and oral health programs aimed at preventing dental diseases and strengthening the health of the growing generation.