Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index among First-grade Elementary Students in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Abstract

Background Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) indicator is one of the most epidemiologic indexes in dentistry indicating the situation of oral and dental health among people of a society. The present study has been conducted with the aim of determining the dmft index among Iranian first-grade elementary students. Materials and Methods This study was conducted on 3,000 (1,500 girls and 1,500 boys), first-grade elementary students in Mazandaran province through descriptive-analytical method. Sample members were gathered using random sampling method. Participants were checked sitting at a conventional seat on the natural light using disposable mirror and dental explorer by a senior dental student. Results The total dmft of students was 4.08 ± 2.93 at which there were no significant differences between the dmft of boys and girls. dmft of students in urban areas was 3.94 ± 3 and in rural areas the dmft of students was 4.43 ± 2.66 that the statistical difference between these two groups was significant (P=0.032). dmft difference between healthy people and those with systemic disease was not significant (P=0.818). Conclusion The results of this study showed that dental health status of first-grade students in Mazandaran province needs more attention in order to get closer to the international standards in this regard. Also, preventive measures such as Fluoride therapy and fissure sealants, and teaching the appropriate way of brushing and flossing must be used.