Abstract
Background: Health in school children requires unique attention since they are the future goals in every country. Their disease prevalence and prevention should be updated for the betterment of the society. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 6198 children in different areas of Mangalore city in age group 5–16 years. The dental caries status was assessed by Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT)/dmft index using the World Health Organization criteria 1997. Collected data from each subject was statistically analyzed to know the prevalence of dental caries using two sample T test and Chi square test. Results: The overall dental caries prevalence among school children were 63.5%. In males the entire decayed, filled and missed tooth was 63.9%, 7.05%, 7.02% and in females decayed, missed and filled tooth percentage was 63%, 6.02%, 6.13% respectively. The mean DMFT score among males and female’s population were 2.54 ± 2.84 and 2.50 ± 2.85 respectively. The highest caries prone group was between 5-7 years old (71.8%) and lowest was among 14-16 years old (56.71%). Conclusion: The present study revealed that caries is more prevalent among preschool children compared to other school going age groups.
Highlights
In developing countries like India, a changing trend from traditional diet to more westernized diet has increased the level of sugar consumption that has eventuated a hike in dental caries among school children [1]
The present study revealed that caries is more prevalent among preschool children compared to other school going age groups
According to the present data, there is an overall improvement in the dental caries experience among the school children of Mangalore city
Summary
In developing countries like India, a changing trend from traditional diet to more westernized diet has increased the level of sugar consumption that has eventuated a hike in dental caries among school children [1]. The majority of the Indian population resides in rural areas and only less than 40% of children reside in urban areas. These children cannot avail dental facilities due to inaccessibility, financial constraints and stagnation of public dental health care services and are most vulnerable to dental diseases [3]. A rapid decline has been manifested in prevalence of dental caries in developed countries This is due to their constant monitoring and caries preventive programs governed among the school children [5]. Health in school children requires unique attention since they are the future goals in every country Their disease prevalence and prevention should be updated for the betterment of the society
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