Preventing Dental Fluorosis

This study was conducted in an area will recognized to have problems of fluorosis. School children were first asked if they have dental fluorosis and then examined by a dentist (only those reported not to have dental fluorosis). About 84% of the students had severe form of dental fluorsis easily recognizable by themselves. In addition 65% of the students who reported not to have the problem were found to have milder form of dental fluorosis during examination by a dentist. It is concluded that whether they are aware or not children are highly affected by dental fluorosis and any prevention activity should target the general children population. Involvement of schools and teachers in prevention of dental fluorosis is suggested. [Ethiop.J.Health. Dev. 2002;16(2):225-226]