Microabrasion as a Community-Feasible and Economical Intervention for Dental Fluorosis in Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Dental fluorosis is an endemic health problem in India. During the stages of tooth development, an excessive intake of fluoride results into the disturbance of tooth development, causing dental fluorosis. Many advanced therapies have been in usage to treat the dental fluorosis. Microabrasion is the least invasive and conservative treatment which is highly effective in removing dental stains and improving the appearance. Aim: To treat mild, moderate and severe form of dental fluorosis in 10-13 years old children by microabrasion. Methods: This quasi-experimental single arm interventional study was carried out on 70 dental fluorosis adolescent patients aged 10-13 years. The microabrasion intervention was carried out and comparison was made before and 24 h post-therapy to analyse its effect. The data were analysed statistically. Results: Post-treatment exceptional improvement in appearance was found in 57.14% cases, followed by mild improvement in 17.14%, moderate improvement in 1.43% and no improvement in 24.29% cases. Moderate change in brown stains was 57.14%, followed by total removal in 22.86% and mild change in stains in 20% cases. No sensitivity was reported in 72.86% cases, followed by mild sensitivity in 25.71%, and only in one case the subject felt severe sensitivity. 25.71% subjects were extremely satisfied, 57.14% were satisfied, and 17.14% were neither satisfied nor unsatisfied. Conclusion: The microabrasion technique is conservative, economical, and feasible. Our findings showed improvement in the appearance of the patients and removed the stains.