Dental Fluorosis risk factors in 1-6 years old children living in Tbilisi and Akhaltsikhe

Abstract

Introduction: Dental Fluorosis is high prevalent disease caused by exposure of Fluoride in high amounts during tooth mineralization (Maturation stage). Change in tooth appearance represents the first clinical manifestation of Fluoride toxicity over the organism, caused by hypomineralization and structural changes of affected tooth. Trace amount of Fluoride is being absorbed through drinking water, defining etiology of disease generally waterborne. Georgia represents Fluoride deficient region, naturally having low Fluoride concentration in drinking water.

The Goal: The aim of study was to assess Dental Fluorosis risk-factors and their affect on disease occurrence Odds in 1-6 years old children living in Fluoride deficient regions of Georgia.

Methods: Cross-sectional and descriptive studies were carried out in study regions (Tbilisi, Akhaltsikhe), by clinical examination of 1-6 years old children attending local public kindergartens (n=570). Individuals included in study were chosen using two step randomized cluster method. To assess DF risk-factors in local population, questionnaire having 46 variables was introduced.

Results: Children whose mothers were consuming tea in high amounts during pregnancy (>2 cups/day) have 14 times higher Odds of getting DF in Primary Dention, compared to those whose mothers mentioned low tea consumption (0-1 cup/day). Individuals whose mothers were exposed to coal burning environment during pregnancy have 5.8 times higher Odds of having DF in primary dentition (95% CI 2.1; 15.9), than that in those children whose mothers did not have coal burning environmental exposure during pregnancy. No statistically signigicant correlation was observed between children home oral hygiene frequency, dental materials used, or dentifrice swallowing habit in increasing Odds of DF occurrence.

Conclusions: Dental Fluorosis Risk factors in 1-6 years old individuals living Fluoride deficient area (F<0.7mg/l) include: Coal burning environment and high tea consumption during pregnancy. (>2cups/day).