Keele Research Repository

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Background </jats:bold>Dental fluorosis has lifelong health impacts which can range from risk of dental caries to loss of teeth as well as aesthetic issues having psychological effects. The dental fluorosis burden in terms of its overall prevalence in India is lacking. Knowledge about the prevalence of dental fluorosis is important for healthcare planning and resource allocation. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dental fluorosis in India and its associated factors.<jats:bold>Methods </jats:bold>A systematic search of electronic databases viz. MEDLINE (via PubMed), IndMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and WHOLIS (WHO library database) will be undertaken from inception to 15th February 2021. Two investigators will independently screen the search results followed by full-text screening for inclusion in the review as per predefined criteria. The data will be extracted for included studies using a pre-designed data extraction form and results will be presented in tabulated form. The meta-analysis will be performed for a homogeneous group of studies if found any. Sensitivity analysis will be performed to address the heterogeneity across studies.<jats:bold>Discussion </jats:bold>This review will describe and summarize the available epidemiological evidence in India in terms of overall prevalence, geographical distribution, and associated factors of dental fluorosis. Further, the finding of this systematic review will be the result of the methodological assessment of the published literature. Understanding the epidemiology of dental fluorosis terms would help in identifying focus areas for intervention as well as better planning and utilization of scarce resources. <jats:bold>Systematic review registration</jats:bold>: PROSPERO, CRD42021235670</jats:p>