Knowledge, attitude, and esthetic perceptions about dental fluorosis amongst the rural population in Meerut District, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Introduction/Background: Fluorosis has attained an alarming dimension all over the world. It has been identified as an endemic disease among which Uttar Pradesh is facing serious health problems. Aim and Objectives: This study is aimed to determine the awareness about fluorosis among the rural population examined during oral health screening camps, to assess the opinions about the appearance of dental fluorosis and to correlate the perception of dental fluorosis with the psychological health of the rural population. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was used for the assessment of knowledge, attitude, and esthetic perception toward dental fluorosis among the rural population of Meerut. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four blocks of Meerut where 677 patients were screened positive for dental fluorosis were selected. Results: The present study revealed that 80% of the study populations were aware of the dental fluorosis and 51.2% of the study population knew about the availability of the treatment for dental fluorosis. The study participants had a negative attitude toward the dental fluorosis as 70.9% of them never consulted the dentist and 31.5% responded that they do not find their teeth to be esthetic. Conclusion: Dental fluorosis is a not only a cosmetic problem that impairs social well-being but also affects the oral health-related quality of life.