Perceptions of dental fluorosis

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Aesthetic Dentistry
• Fluoride Research

Background:

• Mild dental fluorosis is a known side-effect of water fluoridation and other fluoride caries-preventive strategies.
• Traditionally, dental professionals have not considered mild fluorosis a public health concern, neglecting public perception.
• Previous studies have not adequately captured public opinion on the aesthetic impact of dental fluorosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess lay public and dental professional opinions on the appearance of teeth with varying degrees of dental fluorosis.
• To understand the aesthetic concerns associated with different fluorosis severity levels (TF scores 0-3).
• To compare lay perceptions with those of dental professionals regarding fluorosis aesthetics.

Main Methods:

• 110 observers (students, parents, public servants, dentists) evaluated the upper central incisors of 28 children with fluorosis (TF score 0-3).
• Participants responded to statements regarding tooth appearance, pleasing aesthetics, and potential embarrassment.
• Data analyzed from over 3000 responses to gauge perceptions across different observer groups and fluorosis severity.

Main Results:

• Both lay and dental observers could differentiate between various levels of dental fluorosis.
• A significant majority found teeth with TF score 0 pleasing, with agreement decreasing as TF score increased.
• Most observers agreed that higher TF scores would increasingly embarrass a child; non-dentist observers associated higher scores with neglect.

Conclusions:

• Public perception of dental fluorosis aesthetics differs from traditional dental professional views.
• The aesthetic impact and potential social embarrassment associated with dental fluorosis are significant concerns for the general public.
• Findings suggest that the aesthetic consequences of fluorosis warrant greater consideration in public health strategies.