Does fluorosis have an impact on Peruvian children’s oral health related quality of life?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and to assess the impact of dental fluorosis on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children living in two Peruvian towns with different water fluoride levels. Methods A sample of 292 children between 11 and 14 years of age and both genders were selected among public and private primary schools in the 2 towns. Clinical oral examination was carried out using Dean’s index to assess the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and the Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14 (CPQ 11-14) was used to evaluate the association between dental fluorosis and OHRQoL. Results Dental fluorosis prevalence was 75% and the moderate score was the most frequent (36%). The two towns have a low socioeconomic level and children from public schools predominate (74%). There was no impact of fluorosis on OHRQoL. It is possible that adolescents living in a context with very similar dental appearance of their peers build a sense of identity different than other populations, which can influence in their OHRQoL perception. Conclusions Even though dental fluorosis prevalence was very high it did not have impact on OHRQoL.