Ocena wiedzy mieszkańców Malborka na temat stosowania fluorkowanej wody pitnej

Anna Tytz-Chojnowska¹, *Izabela Strużycka¹, Karolina Szaniawska²

Summary
It is currently believed that application of fluorine compounds and mechanical removal of bacterial biofilm from teeth surfaces are the most effective methods of caries prevention. It is also known that doses of fluorine exceeding optimum levels produce effects opposite to assumptions of prevention and may result in dental fluorosis.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge of young Malbork citizens about taking by them doses of fluorine contained in drinking water in excess of optimum levels.
Materials and methods: The survey study included 80 middle school students from Malbork.
Results: Around 26% of respondents did not have knowledge about presence of fluorine compounds in drinking water in Malbork. The highest percentage (43%) gained information on high fluorine concentration in drinking water from parents. The lowest percentage (12%) gained information from a dental practitioner. Around 80% of the examined group were aware of the fact, that excessive doses of fluorine compounds produce a harmful effect on teeth. In spite of this, only 15% of the survey participants intentionally used toothpastes without fluoride. Some of the respondents (23.75%) were not aware whether the toothpaste they used contained fluoride. The study also shows that 31.25% of the population that were aware of consequences resulting from excessive doses of fluorine compounds, used additional oral hygiene products containing fluorine.
Conclusions: The survey revealed insufficient knowledge of the examined group about risks associated with application of increased concentrations of fluorine in drinking water to dental tissues and about prevention methods against these risks.

To jest tylko fragment artykułu. Aby przeczytać całość, przejdź do Czytelni medycznej.