Zona de mayor incidencia de fluorosis de niños en Latinoamérica.

Abstract

Dental fluorosis is a hypoplasia of the tooth enamel that is caused by the chronic ingestion of excessive amounts of fluoride during the period of tooth development. It manifests as opaque, white areas on the enamel, which may be mottled or discolored. The mottled areas may be yellow or brown. It is observed in specific geographic areas of the world showing an endemic epidemiological pattern that affects millions of people. The objective was to determine the areas with the highest incidence of fluorosis in children in Latin America. The research had a qualitative approach and consisted of a literature review. Ten studies on the prevalence of dental fluorosis in different areas of Latin America, published between 2012 and 2021, were included for the review. The main risk factor for dental fluorosis is the consumption of water with an excessive concentration of fluoride, generally well water. Regarding the incidence and prevalence of dental fluorosis in children in Latin America, figures have been reported in countries such as Mexico (2.6%); Bolivia (40.8%), Colombia (65%), Costa Rica (32%), Ecuador (5%), Venezuela (15%), Paraguay (14%), El Salvador (5%), Nicaragua (16% ), Brazil (9% in cities supplied with non-fluoridated water, and 52% in cities supplied by wells).