Distribution of Dental Caries in 12-Year Old Children of Chandigarh using DMFT and SiC Index- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the distribution of dental caries using the DMFT index (Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth) and Significant Caries Index (SiC) in 12-year old children of Chandigarh. To comparatively analyze the risk factors between the two groups - ‘SiC index group' and ‘least DMFT group' and to determine if the WHO Health goals have been achieved for the population. Methods: The examination for dental caries was done as per the WHO recommendations on 495 children. DMFT, SiC values and the oral health behaviours were recorded and the risk predictors for caries identified on logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of dental caries was 74.1%. The mean DMFT was 2.93 ± 2.57 (0-12) and the mean SiC was 5.76 ± 1.89 (4-12). The odds of being in the SiC group were lesser with ≥ once a day tooth cleaning (OR:0.644, CI:0.109 - 3.822, p-value 0.628) and higher with ≤ once a day sugar intake (OR:1.286; CI:0.782-2.115, p-value 0.322), ≤ once a day fruit intake (OR: 1.485; CI:0.820 - 2.691, p-value 0.192), in boys (OR:1.175;CI:0.748 - 1.847, p - value 0.484) and in the lower strata (OR:2.578; CI:1.187 - 5.598, p-value 0.017). Conclusion: The study confirmed an unequal distribution of dental caries and aims to focus on the more susceptible lower strata and reduction of the D component of DMFT. The WHO Health Goals for 2000 were achieved for the population, but the Goals for 2015 were yet to be met. The study also highlights the need to strive to attain the WHO Health Goals for 2020.