Oral health status of 12- and 15-year-old Lebanese school children

Abstract

Background: Studies addressing the oral health status among Lebanese school children are scarce. Aims: To assess the oral health status of Lebanese school children, and to provide epidemiological data for planning and evaluation of oral health care programmes. Methods: We selected 7902 schoolchildren aged 12–15 years from the 6 governorates of Lebanon, using a multistage probability sampling method. Data were obtained by self-administered structured questionnaires and clinical examinations (World Health Organization methodology and criteria). Dental caries was recorded using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. Periodontal status was evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Results: The mean (standard deviation) number of decayed, missing and filled teeth was 3.01 (2.927), 0.05 (0.245) and 2.14 (2.071), respectively, and the mean DMFT score was 5.20 (3.549). Among the whole tested population, the prevalence of caries was 89.5% and only 10.5% of the children were completely free of caries. Age, geographic location and school sector were the most significant risk factors for caries prevalence. Periodontal disease (CPI score > 0) was seen in 7633 participants (96.6%). In contrast to the shallow periodontal pockets that showed a low prevalence, calculus was the most frequently detected periodontal condition in both ages (50.9% at 12 years old and 50.2% at 15 years old). Age, sex, school sector and smoking status were significantly associated with occurrence of periodontal disease. Conclusion: Preventive and restorative public health campaigns are highly recommended to improve oral health status among Lebanese schoolchildren