The Master's student in Public Health at the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of Cape Verde, Ednilson Delgado, defended his master's thesis entitled “Prevalence of Dental Fluorosis in 12-year-old Children from Brava Island, Cape Verde”. The session, held on January 22, at the Palmarejo Grande Campus, was attended by a specialized jury, including Professor Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio from the University of São Paulo, Professor António Pedro Delgado from the University of Cape Verde, and Professor Inês Border of the New University of Lisbon.
After greeting those present, the candidate began his presentation, defining dental fluorosis as an anomaly of tooth development, caused by excessive intake of fluoride during the tooth formation phase. "In milder cases, small or opaque stains are observed on the enamel. In more severe cases, there are regions with yellowish or brownish stains, and even loss of tooth structure may occur," explained Delgado.
The research revealed a 100% prevalence of dental fluorosis among the children studied, with almost half presenting a severe degree of the condition. This data is particularly worrying, considering the adverse effects of severe fluorosis on quality of life, including impacts on chewing, self-esteem and access to the job market.
Delegate highlighted the discrepancy between the recommended fluoride levels and those found in the water of Brava Island, which reach 6.7 mg per liter, well above the maximum limit established by Cape Verde legislation. "The island's population has been consuming concentrations of fluoride well above the maximum recommended limits, thus putting the population at risk of developing dental fluorosis," he said.
The study also addressed children's perceptions of the appearance of their teeth, the lack of access to oral health services and the need for urgent interventions to control exposure to fluoride. "Oral health is a fundamental human right that plays a crucial role in ensuring a good quality of life," concluded Delgado.
