Dental status in adults of the municipality of Foca

Abstract

Introduction. Dental caries has been one of the oldest but still one of the most common oral diseases in humans. Even though it has been almost eradicated in developed countries due to increased fluoride use, adoption of proper oral hygiene habits and systematic implementation of preventive programs, caries remained one of leading oral diseases in developing countries. Epidemiological data about the prevalence of caries is very important for prediction of need for dental care, number of dental care providers as well as financial aspect. The aim of this study was to determine dental status and indicate dental treatment need in adults of the municipality of Foca, Republika Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Material and Methods. The study included 244 randomly selected residents (131 males and 113 females) from the municipality of Foca which were divided into three age groups: 20-29, 30-39 and 40-49 years. Dental status and need for dental treatment were determined in accordance to the criteria and methodology of the World Health Organization. Results. Mean value of DMFT index was 12.7 for the first age group, 16.4 for the second and 20.5 for the third age group of respondents. Dominant components in the first group were restored and carious teeth while in the third age group number of extracted teeth dominated. Also, in the third age group of respondents need for one and two or more surfaces fillings was significantly lower (p<0.01), but need for removable dentures was significantly higher (p<0.01) as compared to other two groups. Conclusion. These results indicated high value of DMFT index in adult population of the municipality of Foca.