A Scientometric Exploration of the Trends, Distribution, and Collaborative Networks of Dental Fluorosis Research in India.

BACKGROUND: Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of dental enamel caused by successive exposures to high fluoride concentrations during tooth development. Approximately 65% of India's rural population is directly exposed to fluoride-related health problems, according to a report from UNICEF. OBJECTIVE: To perform a scientometric analysis of dental fluorosis research in India with a focus on mapping research trends, geographic distribution, collaborative networks, and thematic key insights, while reviewing and comparing the reported prevalence and associated risk factors from the literature. RESEARCH DESIGN: A descriptive scientometric study was conducted to evaluate the research landscape on dental fluorosis in India. Articles were retrieved from databases such as "PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO-HOST" and analyzed using tools like VOS viewer and R software to map the geographic distribution, keyword patterns, year-wise trend, and co-authorship networks. In addition, reported prevalence and risk factors are evaluated and reviewed. FINDINGS: The analysis expressed a rising trend in dental fluorosis research, with higher concentrations of studies in fewer parts of India. Common keywords concentrated more on fluoride exposure and its epidemiology, where co-authorship networks indicated limited interinstitutional collaboration. Reviewed studies demonstrated varying prevalence rates across India and associated risk factors, which showed inconsistency throughout the derived studies. IMPLICATIONS: This scientometric overview refers to an increasing but unbalanced base of dental fluorosis studies in India. It forms the basis of identifying gaps in the field of research and directing further studies to aid in the reduction of fluorosis prevalence in India.