Factores asociados con la prevalencia de fluorosis dental en adolescentes en el Instituto Integrado de Los Santos, Santander

Abstract

Introduction: Dental Fluorosis is a hypomineralization of the enamel that can be seen from white or brown spots to structural structures, this not only has aesthetic implications or shape abnormalities, it also has repercussions on the physical and emotional health of the patient. Objective: to determine if there is an association between sociodemographic factors, oral health habits and the prevalence of dental fluorosis in adolescents aged 12-15 years from the Integrated Institute of Los Santos, Santander in the year 2023. Materials and methods: the study was observational, analytical, cross-sectional, with a sample of 90 adolescents from the public institution. Supervised brushing was performed, intraoral photos were taken, the collection instrument was applied, which added information such as plaque control and a survey with 27 questions on sociodemographic aspects and oral hygiene. In the clinical examination, the Dean Index was obtained by researchers who had been previously trained and selected. A univariate analysis was performed using absolute frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables, the prevalence of Fluorosis and its severity. In addition, a bivariate analysis with Fisher's exact test to observe the relationship with sociodemographic characteristics, vulnerability, fluoride exposure, and oral hygiene. All this under compliance with ethical aspects. Results: Greater participation of the female sex, aged 12 years, seventh grade, stratum one and rural housing. In the population study, a prevalence of Fluorosis of 94.4% was found with a degree of severity of moderate-severe in 68.9%. There was no statistically significant relationship with any of the variables since p values >0.05 were presented. Conclusions: high prevalence and severity of Fluorosis, which can generate concern at the Public Health level.