Genetic and environmental influences on fluorosis prevalence in Nigeria children

Abstract

Dental discoloration from fluorosis is an over looked public health problem. In Nigeria, 11.4% of the population is impacted by this disorder. Dental fluorosis caused by successive exposures to high fluoride concentrations during tooth development in utero is linked to the development of a variety of psychological and physiological problems: from dental aesthetics to a reduction in intelligence and skeletal changes. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to examine the influences of biological make up and environment in the development of dental fluorosis in children in a rural community in Nigeria. A multilevel theoretical model was used to develop possible fluoride exposure pathways, in order to identify such factors. The study was guided by 2 main research questions: What is the prevalence of fluorosis among Nigerian school-aged children? What is its association with the prevailing influences of age, gender, duration of residence and health behavior? Data was collected by administering surveys, on children aged 5 to15 years. Chi-square tests were used to test for possible associations. The study findings showed a fluorosis prevalence rate of 86.6% in the 269 school children surveyed, with majority of these children between the ages of 8 to 13 years. The severity of children fluorosis was associated with the length of stay in the study area and not gender. This study’s possible impact on social change include raising awareness to this problem which is more environmental and identify possible ways to resolve it, such as through, improved dental care services and a supportive social environment like flocculation of community water sources.