Effect of Socioeconomic Status on Frequency of Dental Caries among 3-11 years old patients with Maloccluded Teeth

Abstract

Aim: To explore the effect of socioeconomic status on frequency of dental caries among patients with maloccluded teeth. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at Dental hospital of Institute of dentistry, CMH, Lahore Medical College, Lahore. Sample size was calculated as 330. Data was collected using purposive sampling technique. Patients of both genders between the ages of 3 to 11 years with maloccluded teeth were included. Result: According to Modified Kuppuswamy socioeconomic scale rating, gender wise comparison was conducted using chi-square test. Out of 330 participants, 28 males and 17 females were between scores of 25-29, i.e. the upper class. 91 males and 105 females were between scores of 16-25, being in upper middle class. 40 males and 45 females were scored between 5-10, being in lower middle class while 1 male and 3 females were scored <5, being in poor class. An insignificant difference of 0.20 was observed between them. The difference was nonsignificant. Conclusion: No gender wise difference was observed among patients with regards to dental caries in terms of socioeconomic status. Keywords: Malocclusion, dental caries, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene