Knowledge, attitudes and practices on dental fluorosis among advanced level students in Lankapura Educational Zone, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Fluoride in drinking water has become a major issue in the world as 200 million population, mostly from tropical countries, are exposed to dental or skeletal fluorosis. The World Health Organization suggested level of Fluoride in drinking water is 1.5mg/L. Intake of excess Fluoride, mostly by drinking water beyond this value can be a source to dental fluorosis. In Sri Lanka, almost 75% of the community dwells in rural areas, acquire their domestic water supply from the ground sources, where high Fluoride content is mainly found in the dry zone, especially in North Central Province. Hence it is essential for the youth community to be aware about Dental Fluorosis.Objective: The study was aimed to assess the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Dental fluorosis among Advanced Level students in Lankapura educational zone,Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.Method: This community based descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out for a period of one year,among Advanced Level students in Lankapura educational zone, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka.Results: 390 students were included in the study, of which 173(44.36%) were male and 217(55.6%) were female. 91.8% among study population correctly identified that dental fluorosis is due to high fluoride water. Majority of students (96.1%) were aware about that Dental Fluorosis can be prevented by consuming filtered water. 346(91.8%) students suggested that Dental Fluorosis can be treated in the dental clinic/hospital setup.97.2% of participants considered that Dental Fluorosis has negative effects on individuals’ personality. On appreciation of Dental Fluorosis with daily performances, participants responded as disease would affect Smiling (50.5%), Inter Personal Relation (45.7%).95% of students considered that Dental Fluorosis can cause specific impacts on oral hygiene. Most of the students have responded as removing the brown discoloration from teeth should done professionally by dentists (91.8%). Conclusion: In this study a sample of 390 Advance Level Students were taken in selected schools. Among them 173 (44.36%) were male and 217 (55.64%) were female students. Knowledge about Dental Fluorosis plays a vital role in the future development of disease and its early prevention. The study confirms that even though majority of the students had moderate knowledge about Dental Fluorosis, (mean=0.54) there is lack of awareness in certain aspects of Dental Fluorosis among students.Relatively the students were well aware of contributory factors, preventive methods and impacts on personal and daily performances. But their knowledge regarding complications and availability of treatment seems to be less.