Dental fluorosis in volcanic areas: Analysis of associated factors in a Colombian school population

Introduction. Dental fluorosis is an endemic problem in southern Colombia, especially due to its proximity to volcanic areas and the composition of their waters. Objective. To identify the prevalence and factors associated with the development of dental fluorosis in the school population of the municipality of La Cruz, Nariño. Materials and methods. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study that included clinical and sociodemographic variables and data about habits, diet, and dental fluorosis knowledge. To collect the information, we used a questionnaire completed by the parents or guardians and a clinical evaluation –previously standardized by the researchers– of schoolchildren between 8 and 12 years from two educational institutions. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed with proportions and measures of central tendency. The multivariate analysis used a negative binomial regression with rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results. We included 116 participants with a mean age of 9.80 (SD = 1.38) years and a mean of the Dean’s index of 2.36 (SD = 0.86). A higher Dean’s index was associated with older age (p < 0.003), brand of salt (p < 0.007), higher consumption of legumes (p < 0.001), cereals (p < 0.038), and fish (p < 0.025), and lower consumption of red meat (p < 0.017). Conclusion. Dental fluorosis is a multifactorial problem that requires different approaches according to the territories and their particularities and public health measures to control its high prevalence.