The incidence and intensity of dental caries and oral hygiene among children from Warsaw under six years of age. Observational study

Abstract

Introduction. The results of study of children with caries provide information on the condition of the teeth and oral hygiene as well as allow to identify the needs for dental care. Still the current problem seems to achieve the expected reduction in dental caries. Treatment of caries of deciduous teeth is not widespread. Aim. Annual observational study the prevalence and intensity of dental caries and oral hygiene status of children in Warsaw under six years of age, presenting every three months for fluoride prophylaxis. Material and methods. The study included 81 children under six years of age. Dental health and hygiene was evaluated in a preliminary study and every 3 months for a period of one year. The average number of dmft, dmfs, their constituent, DI-S index and treatment of dental caries index. The results were analyzed using the chi-square test. Results. The prevalence of caries in the preliminary test in the study group determined to be 75%, in the final examination ? 89%. The average value of the dmft index increased from 5.14 ± 4.25 to 6.99 ± 4.68 and dmfs 10.14 ± 10.59 to 14.98 ± 13.94. The average number of teeth and surfaces with caries was 2.46 ± 3.23 and 4.44 ± 6.92 respectively and was slightly higher in the final study (2.65 ± 2.70 and 4.86 ± 4.98). The average number of teeth and the surface removed increased twice, from 0.47 ± 1.44 and 2.05 ± 6.21 in the preliminary test to 0.93 ± 1.86 and 4.17 ± 8.27 in the final study (p < 0.001). Favorable trend was statistically significant increase in the average number of teeth and the surface of the fillings of 2.21 ± 2.57 and 3.64 ± 4.73 in the preliminary test to 3.41 ± 2.56 and 6.88 ± 5.78 in the final study and the ratio of treatment from 0.49 ± 0.39 to 0.56 ± 0.32. In the preliminary test, the mean DI-S was 1.20 ± 0.71, after one year 0.81 ± 0.64 (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The results indicate the high intensity of caries decay and neglect of hygienic habits and treatment and the beneficial effect of individual fluoride prophylaxis and regular dental visits. Emphasize the need to motivate parents to regular oral healthcare.