Objective: To assess the relationship between dental fluorosis (DF) and esthetic perceptions that may affect well-being (WB) in children in Mexico City. Methods: Dental fluorosis (DF) may have an impact on personal WB because it affects appearance of teeth and face from an esthetic point of view. Using a questionnaire to measure DF impact on WB, 41 children ages 7 to 12 years attending a pediatric dental office were asked questions to (i) assess self-representation of psychological WB caused by perceptions of dental appearance, and (ii) differentiate among esthetic concerns derived from DF and other conditions (crowding, caries, periodontal disease). DF of anterior quadrant was evaluated using TSIF. Measures of WB were correlated to DF presence. Results: 66% and 81% of children reported experiencing at least occasionally distress or being worried, respectively, because of the appearance of teeth. 61% of the children stated the appearance hindered them from smiling freely, and 34% reported them as unsatisfactory. 59% reported their teeth were not straight and 20% believed they were unhealthy. 34% reported stains on their teeth compatible with DF; 66% had DF (TSIF >1); 63% had crowding of teeth. Unpleasant teeth color was reported by 20% of children. There was a significant correlation between DF and level of concern caused by dental appearance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Children perceptions of DF appeared to have an impact on WB, as measured by a culturally appropriate research tool.

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