Clinical Severity of Dental Fluorosis and Associated Risk Factors Among a Group of Children in Rural Region, Dendera Center in Egypt
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Dental Fluorosis. Basic parameters: 8 years — 12 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Egypt
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Clinical Severity of Dental Fluorosis and Associated Risk Factors Among a Group of Children in a Rural Region, Dendera Center in Egypt: A Cross-Sectional Study
Overview
The goal of our observational study is evaluation of the clinical severity of dental fluorosis and associated risk factors among a group of children (8-12 years old) in a rural region, Dendera center, Egypt. The main question it aims to answer is: What is the clinical severity of dental fluorosis and associated risk factors among a group of children (8-12 years old) in a rural region, Dendera center, Egypt?
Detailed description
Fluoride has a dual impact, it can be beneficial for dental health when consumed at optimal levels, but excessive intake can lead to a condition known as dental fluorosis (DF).
Dental fluorosis, which is particularly common among children and young individuals, is a developmental enamel defect caused by excessive fluoride exposure during the critical stages of tooth formation. This condition affects both the appearance and structure of the enamel.
The severity of dental fluorosis depends on various factors, including fluoride concentration in drinking water, daily intake, duration of exposure, and climatic conditions.
Epidemiological studies indicate that fluorosis can affect individuals across different age groups, with cases ranging from mild dental fluorosis to severe skeletal fluorosis. Children are particularly vulnerable to its harmful effects, which are often irreversible.
In rural areas, groundwater serves as the primary source of drinking water due to limited access to treated water supplies.
This dependence on groundwater increases the risk of prolonged fluoride exposure, particularly among children, whose developing teeth are more susceptible to fluorosis.
While several studies have documented the prevalence of dental fluorosis globally, there is a lack of data on its prevalence in rural areas of Upper Egypt, where groundwater is a key water source.
This knowledge gap highlights the need for localized research to assess the extent of the issue and develop targeted interventions.
Therefore, a cross-sectional study will be conducted to determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis and identify associated risk factors among children in a rural area of the Dendera district, Qena governorate, Upper Egypt.
Primary outcome measures
- Clinically evident dental fluorosis in permanent incisors (prevalence) [Time frame: Baseline (during the initial clinical examination of the child)]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Clinically evident dental fluorosis in all permanent teeth present other than permanent incisors (prevalence) [Time frame: Baseline (during the initial clinical examination of the child)]
- Risk factors of dental fluorosis [Time frame: baseline (upon enrollment, after parents complete the questionnaire)]
- Severity of dental fluorosis [Time frame: Baseline (during the initial clinical examination of the child)]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Children age range from 8 to 12 years.
- Children have lived in the area of the study since birth.
- Teeth to be examined should not be covered with fillings or braces.
Exclusion criteria
- Parents or children who refuse to participate in the study.
- Ethical consideration.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Egypt · 1 center
- Dendera region — Cairo
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07138456 · prevalence and severity of DF