Oral Health and Treatment Needs among 18-Year-Old Iranians

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the oral health status of 18-year-old Iranians in relation to their gender, place of residence and level of education. Subjects and Methods: Thirty-three calibrated examiners in 2002 collected data as part of a national survey, according to World Health Organization criteria for sampling and clinical diagnoses, across 28 provinces. The study sample was 4,448; male: 2,021 and female: 2,427 made up of urban: 2,564 and rural: 1,884. Oral health status was assessed in terms of number of teeth, decayed teeth (DT), filled teeth (FT), decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT), community periodontal index and plaque index. Results: The mean number of teeth was 27.4, with DMFT: 4.3, DT: 3.0 and FT: 0.7. The mean number of sound teeth was higher (p < 0.01) in men (24.1 vs. 23.3 in women), FT in urban residents (1.0 vs. 0.2 in rural residents) and DT in women (3.3 vs. 2.8 in men). Three of 4 subjects were in need of restorative treatments. All subjects had dental plaque; 387 (8%) healthy gingiva; 1,016 (23%) exhibited bleeding; 2,025 (48%) calculus and 1,020 (21%) deepened pockets. Men’s periodontal status was worse than women’s (p < 0.002). Low level of education was associated with having 27 or fewer teeth (OR = 1.7), calculus (OR = 1.5) or deep periodontal pockets (OR = 2.7). Conclusion: A majority of 18-year-old Iranians seem to enjoy a full dentition. High prevalence of dental plaque, calculus, periodontal pockets and untreated dental cariesespecially among underprivileged groups may put them at risk for tooth loss in adulthood.