Perceptions of Fluoride and Fluorosis among Saudi Community

Abstract

Introduction Fluoride has been used in dentistry for a few decades to prevent dental caries, as it is a double-edged sword in nature. When a human being is exposed to more than normal fluoride levels, fluoride toxicity or fluorosis occurs. The study aimed to analyze Saudi community knowledge and views about the relevance of oral fluoride and its repercussions on health. Material and Methods A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 1020 Saudi people of both genders. The electronic survey was sent through social media. The questionnaire was written in Arabic and comprised 10 close-ended questions. Data was entered, cleaned, and analyzed with the SPSS 23.0 version, and necessary statistical tests like proportions and the chi-square test were performed. Results A total of 1020 participants participated in the study, with an age group ranging from 15 to 66 years. Most respondents were female (72.5%/), and 27.5% were male. The study survey showed that 42.8% of participants visited a dentist within the last six months. More than half of the participants (53.7%) brushed their teeth twice a day, 41.4% noted the appearance of a white spot on their teeth, and 65.9% reported a discoloration on their teeth. More than half of the people (56.7%) were aware that fluoride is significant in protecting and enhancing teeth. On the other hand, 78% of participants did not know that excessive exposure to fluoride during childhood could cause fluorosis. Conclusion According to this study, a substantial number of people are aware of the importance of oral care and fluoride. They were also mindful of teeth discoloration and how it affects their life. However, most participants and their parents were still unaware of the causes of fluorosis and its treatment.