CPITN Scores Research Articles

Socio-Demographic Factors are Linked to Oral Hygiene Index (CPITN Index) - A Study from Rural Setting in Southern Punjab, Pakistan

<p><strong>Background and Objective:</strong> Oral health is significantly impacted by an individual’s social interactions and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between oral health status and socio-demographic factors, in particular, monthly income and level of education, of a rural community in Pakistan.</p>
 <p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional survey study was conducted among n = 380 people from the Jahangirabad community of Multan from July 2021 to September 2021. A validated questionnaire was designed to be filled by the subjects or the researchers in case of low literacy levels. Two qualified oro-dental examiners assessed all the subjects for their oral health status by using the community periodontal index of the treatment needs (CPITN index).</p>
 <p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 209 males and 171 females. As regards the status of education, 27% of the subjects had no formal education, 21% of respondents were primary (5th grade) pass, 31.9% attended secondary school, 10.7% got higher secondary school education, whereas 9.4% of respondents had passed the college/university examination. The majority of the participants (46.7%) had income within the range of 10,000-20,000 Pakistani rupees per month, whereas only 12.8% of subjects reported earning more than Rs. 50,000 per month. No significant association was found between average monthly income and oral health status; however, the CPITN score and the higher level of education (high school and college/university) showed a significant association (p-value = 0.012).</p>
 <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Level of education, independent of socioeconomic status, is identified as a potential risk factor for poor oral health status among the rural community in Pakistan. Dental practitioners should consider enhancing timely screening and awareness campaigns, especially within this specific class of community, to improve oral health outcomes.</p>

Oral Health Status of elementary school aged children in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan

Dental caries among Pakistani’s school children continue to increase. To identify treatment needs, current epidemiologic data are needed. Such statistics are currently not available for elementary school children. Objectives: To determine the oral status of school children using Decayed, Missed, Filled, Teeth index. To identify treatment need by using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs index. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 385 elementary school children aged between 13 to 17 years. A simple random sampling method was performed. The participants were both from government and private schools of Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected by modified WHO questionnaire. Oral examinations were performed in accordance to WHO guidelines. After taking permission from school, informed consent from parents, and assent from students, oral examinations were done by undergraduate and DMFT and CPITN index were assessed. Results: Mean DMFT and CPITN score among school children came 1.17±2.182 and 1.04±0.910 respectively. More than a one-third of the elementary school students needed high level dental care. Conclusions: Oral health status of elementary school aged children is relatively unsatisfactory. There is a need to introduce dental camps and oral hygiene awareness programs in educational settings.

Oral Health Status and Oral Hygiene Practices among Urban Slum Dwellers in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Pakistan

Poor oral hygiene is a major factor for oral diseases. Urban slums are recognized as a risk group population as the burden of oral diseases is highest among them. Objectives: To evaluate the oral health status of slums using Decayed, Missed, and Filled Tooth index. To evaluate the oral health status of slums using Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Need. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 385 urban slum people aged between 20 to 50 years. A convenient sampling method was adopted. Data were collected by structured questionnaire included information related to patient’s knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards oral hygiene and interviewed by trained staff. Oral examinations were performed in line with WHO guidelines. After taking informed consent oral examinations were done by fresh graduate and DMFT and CPITN index were evaluated. Results: Study participants were assessed for attitude, knowledge and oral health behavior, 47% had Good Attitude, only 6% had Very Good Knowledge and < 1% had Very Good oral health behavior. Mean DMFT and CPITN score among Slums came 8.91 + 7.627 and 1.93 + 0.971 respectively. More than a third of the slums population required emergency levels dental treatments. Conclusions: The residents of slums have poor oral hygiene and high prevalence of dental caries. Low socioeconomic status, and lack of primary dental care programs and session are main reasons for poor oral health

Oral health status in individuals with Down syndrome

ABSTRACT Down syndrome (DS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder of known genetic cause, with a wide array of oral and systemic manifestations. The aim of the present study is to determine the level of oral hygiene status and practice of a group of individuals with DS in Benghazi/Libya. In this cross–sectional study 124 individuals were recruited from The Rehabilitation Centre of Special Needs in the city of Benghazi, Libya. Questionnaires were distributed among the attendees, covering oral health aspects and diet habits. Oral examination was conducted to evaluate oral health status among individuals with DS. The data were analysed descriptively and inferentially (including Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test) using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 (SPSS). Most of DS individuals brush their teeth once daily (62%), spending less than one minute in brushing (44%). For diet habits, more than half (55%) eat sweet snacks between meals. For the dental status, 47% of the subject had zero DMFT, followed by score 2 in 21%. The highest percentage in Oral hygiene Index (OHI) was scored 1 by 46% of participants. The zero CPITN score was seen in 54.5%. Our results have shown a weaker tendency of DS towards oral hygiene. This should strengthen our goal of guiding and encouraging parents of individuals with DS to be more cautious in providing help and supervision of their individuals’ practice of oral health care.

Oral Health Status Among Pregnant Women Attending Gynae OPD of Tertiary Care Hospital in Rawalpindi

Objective: 
 The objectives of this study were to determine the oral health status and treatment needs using DMFT & CPITN indices in pregnant women attending Gynae OPD of tertiary care Hospital in Rawalpindi, to Determine Association of Oral health status using DMFT and CPITN with socioeconomic status and to determine oral health status of various trimesters of pregnancy
 Materials and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the oral health status and treatment needs among pregnant women at Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi from April’ 2020 to September’ 2020. Consecutive sampling was used to select the study participants. An adaptive version of WHO questionnaire was used. Results were presented in the form of frequency tables. Chi square test of statistics was applied to assess the association between categorical DMFT and CPITN with the sociodemographic characteristics of the participating females.
 Results: The mean DMFT score pregnant females was 2.41 + 2.30 and were belonged to a middle socioeconomic status 43.8% (n=173). About 61.8% (n=244) of participants had DMFT total score 1-7. Whereas, majority of the participants were reported bleeding gums on probing 30.6% (n=121) on assessment by CPITN. The participating pregnant females also depicted the worsening of periodontal tissues (P=0.00) and dentition status (P=0.02). Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with dentition (P=0.39) and periodontal status (P=0.69).
 Conclusion: The study revealed that oral health status was deteriorated during pregnancy. Education and gestational period were strong indicator for oral health status among pregnant women. Bleeding gums were reported in majority of participants during second trimester of pregnancy. Socioeconomic status was not significantly associated with oral health status by CPITN and DMFT score.

Determining Chemotherapy Agents in Saliva through Spectrometry and Chromatography Methods Correlated with Periodontal Status in Oncology Patients

Background: The aim of this study is to quantify chemotherapy agents in the saliva of oncology patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy treatment, and evaluate the oral and periodontal clinical modifications and possible correlations between them. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 29 patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment with cisplatin, oxaliplatin or gemcitabine. Three total saliva samples were gathered from each patient in three key points regarding chemotherapy. The samples were then analyzed through methods of mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. Results: Cisplatin and gemcitabine were only found in saliva at 30 min and 2 h after chemotherapy administration, however oxaliplatin was determined in all three samples. Clinically, the most accentuated clinical attachment loss and CPITN scores were observed on mandibular teeth, whereas the highest values for the Sillness and Loe gingival index and gingival bleeding index were in the lateral maxillary areas. We found no statistically significant correlation between the periodontal parameters and chemotherapy concentration in saliva. Conclusion: A fraction of systemically administered chemotherapy can also be found in the saliva of oncology patients and have the potential to exacerbate oral infections and cause local and systemic complications throughout the oncology treatment. Further research is required in order to fully understand how chemotherapy can influence the development of periodontal disease.

Comparison Of Periodontal Health Of Orthodontic And Non-Orthodontic Patients

Objective: To compare the periodontal health status among orthodontic and non-orthodontic groups aged between 14-30 years of both genders. Study design And Setting: This comparative cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Orthodontics and Periodontics from January 2019-till June 2019 at dental Hospital of Bahria Dental College Karachi. Methodology: Those patients aged 14-30 under orthodontics treatment for about 3 months and were able to give consent were included in the study. Periodontal status among both groups (65 orthodontics and 65 non orthodontic) patients was evaluated with the help of CPITN probe on index teeth. To assess the oral hygiene status; the questionnaire was formulated regarding the use and frequency of toothbrush; use of interdental cleaners such as interdental brush, use of mouthwash, use of tongue cleaners and dental appointments. A single observer from periodontics department was appointed for observation and record data of patients coming to orthodontic department and to carry out a clinical examination. The data was scrutinized using SPSS 23, and using the chi-square test various other comparisons were performed. Results: Statistically significant association was observed in CPITN scores between the orthodontic and non-orthodontic patients (p < 0.05). Patients who underwent orthodontic treatment had increased plaque accumulation and probing depth which resulted in periodontal tissue destruction. Conclusion: It was concluded that the periodontal condition of ortho patients was deteriorating as compare to non ortho patient. There was no noticeable attachment loss found that could lead to mobility of the tooth and its loss

Predictors of periodontal disease among rural Indian type 2 diabetic population

BackgroundPeriodontal Disease (PD) is associated with complications of diabetes. Control of the PD reduces glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of PD with duration, severity of diabetes and eGFR. Material and methodA Prospective observational study conducted at Sidhi Vinayaka Hospitals (SVH) Sangareddy during the period of January 2014 to December 2019. Total 1436 patients with a definite diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), between the ages of 45–60 years were included. They were classified according to CPITN score for PD and compared against the variables. ResultsA total of 1436 consecutive outpatients attending to SVH were included. Among them 662 (46.1%) were males and 774(53.9%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 48.3(SD ± 10.62) and mean duration of diabetes was 2.9(SD ± 4.18). The mean fasting blood glucose was 198.5(SD ± 85), mean post prandial blood glucose was 277.2 (SD ± 107.7) and mean HBA1c was 9.98% (SD ± 2.6). Among the study group 1198 (83.4%) had none/mild (Grade I) PD, 192(13.4%) had moderate/severe (Grade II) PD and 46(3.2%) were completely edentulous (Grade III). ConclusionThere is a linear correlation between PD and age of patient, duration of diabetes, eGFR and level of glycemic status among rural population with T2DM.

Oral Health Status and Associated Factors in a Subpopulation of Turkish Patients

Objectives: Understanding the oral health behavior and knowing oral health status of a community in order to facilitate the development of satisfactory dental public health preventive program. In this context, the purpose of this study is to investigate oral health behaviour of Turkish community who live in Usak province besides and to evaluate CPITN and DMFT index scores according to age, gender and education level. Materials and Methods: A face to face questionnaire was conducted for 2412 subjects who were divided into six age groups to understand their oral health behavior. Periodontal measurements, and dental caries were applied by three calibrated expert researchers for all teeth except the third molar. Results: Healthy periodontal tissue only existed in 153 (10.05%) individuals of 1521 dentate participants. The mean DMFT value observed was 16.98±6.62. By aging, being male and having low education level, mean DMFT and CPITN scores showed an upward trend. 10.26% of the participants informed that they did not brush their teeth and 92.55% of them stated that they did not floss their teeth. Most of the participants (83.25%) informed that they visited a dental clinic only in emergency and pain. Conclusions: The mean DMFT and CPITN scores increase in accordance with aging, low education and being male. Low flossing frequency, low prevalence of tooth brushing and low frequency of going to the dentist regularly were observed at the end of the study.

Cpitn in Iraqi Females with Thyroid Dysfunction

Background: Changes in thyroid function have significant health consequences onhuman beings. Women's risk of developing thyroid problems is seven times thatof men. The associations between periodontal diseases and thyroid dysfunctionhad received great attention in periodontal literature in last few decades. In theonly few studies that conducted in Iraq, the concentration was primarily directedtoward oral health status and dental treatment needs while the periodontaltreatment needs have been omitted. This omission is definitely due to absence ofimplementation of CPITN in these studies.Aim of the study: to estimate the periodontal health status and periodontal treatmentneed among Iraqi females with thyroid dysfunction.Material and methods: sample of this study consist of 225 adult Iraqi femalesallocated into three comparable groups. Group A (patients with hypothyroidism),Group B (patients with hyperthyroidism) and Group C (control group). CPITN,CAL & TN indices were recorded and the data were analyzed statistically usingSPSS program.Results: generally, healthy women found to have better periodontal health and lessclinical attachment loss compared to those with thyroid dysfunction but theseresults was not significant for all CPITN scores. On the other hand all populationsample were found to need periodontal treatment in different levels.Conclusion: Thyroid dysfunction in its both types (hypothyroidism &hyperthyroidism) has its impact on periodontal health status, but this impact stillin need of more extensive researches to expand our knowledge about this vitalsubject.

Determination of Periodontal Status and Smoking Habits with CPITN Index

Aim: Periodontal diseases are a major worldwide and is considered to be one of the most common oral pathologies. A large portion of periodontal pathologies are affected by a variety of factors genetic, socio-economic status, smoking, oral hygiene and lifestyle. The relationship between smoking and periodontal disease attracting more and more interest in the last 10-15 years. This study was planned to determine whether there is a relationship between smoking habits and periodontal status.
 Methodology: In this study, 372 individuals were evaluated between the ages 12-79. These individuals divided into 7 groups according to age, including 12-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79. CPITN scores and whether or not cigarette smoking habits of all individuals were recorded. Daily cigarette consumption was evaluated 0, occasionally, 1-10, 11-20 and more than 20. 
 Results: In our study, no significant statistical difference was found between the age groups and gender (p>0.05). There is a relationship proportional to the age and periodontal disease (p<0.05). Periodontal status of individuals who smoke analyzed, although individuals who smoke have higher periodontal scores, statistically significant relationship was not found between the two groups.
 Conclusions: Examined the periodontal status of the individuals included in the study, there is no difference between smokers and nonsmokers with individuals, despite the periodontal scores were higher in smokers. It is suggested that oral hygiene education would be effective in the rate of smoking and periodontal health.
 How to cite this article: Saribas E, Acun Kaya F, Dogru AG, Talo Yildirim T. Determination of periodontal status and smoking habits with CPITN index. Int Dent Res 2017;7:26-31.

Periodontal status and treatment needs of primary school teachers in the absence of formal school oral health programme

Objective: Information Is sparse about the periodontal health of teachers who play important roles in prevention of oral diseases in schools, especially in developing countries where the promotion of oral health In school programmes Is still sub-optimal. The objective of the study was to evaluate the periodontal health status and periodontal treatment needs of primary school teachers In a country lacking formal school-based oral health programmes.Method: This was a descriptive survey in which intraoral examination was conducted on 407 primary school teachers. Recordings on the oral hygiene status using OHl-S, bleeding on probing, periodontal pocketing and treatment needs with CPITN and tooth mobility were obtained by a trained and calibrated examiner. Information on sociodemographic characteristics was also sought. Data were analysed using SPSS and the level of significance set atp<0.05Result: None of the teachers had healthy periodontium, 3 bled to probing. 284 had calculus accumulation and 109 had shallow pockets while 11 had deep periodontal pocketing. Majority (80.6%) of the teachers had poor oral hygiene and 43 ( 10.6%) had one or more mobile teeth. A higher proportion of rural based teachers had periodontal pockets compared to those in urban areas (38.5% vs. 26.7%, p = 0.026). Older teachers were more likely to have mobile teeth (p = 0.002). There were significant positive correlations between OHI-S, CPITN score and number of mobile teeth.Conclusion: Periodontal disease Is highly prevalent among primary school teachers In the country with calculus accumulation being the predominant feature. The periodontal treatment need of most of the teachers Is In the form of oral prophylaxis and non-surgical periodontal. treatment.

Periodontal health status and treatment needs of the rural population of India: A cross-sectional study.

Background:Periodontal disease is of public health concern and hence data on its prevalence rate are necessary. We have documented the prevalence pattern of periodontal disease in a rural population of Belgaum district, India, and identify the optimal treatment needs (TNs).Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried on 1680 dentate adult subjects, examined from 12 villages in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India for prevalence of periodontal status and their TNs (using Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs [CPITN]).Results:Increase in CPITN score positively correlated with age. Only 4.3% (13) of subjects in the age-group of 20-29 had a CPITN score of 4 indicative of pockets of 6 mm or more when compared to 26% (91) of subjects in the age-group of 45-60 years. 92% (569) of the subjects in the age-group of 30-44 were having a TN score 2 whereas only 5.3% (33) of subjects were having a TN score 0 in the same age-group. Significantly higher need for treatment was observed in males, smokers and subjects using finger and tooth powder. Surprisingly diet of the subjects did not influence TNs.Conclusion:Increased prevalence of periodontal diseases and TNs was observed. There is a need for initiating adequate awareness regarding oral hygiene, specifically primary prevention could help in reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease.

Periodontal treatment needs and systemic diseases in an older population in Greece.

BackgroundTo evaluate the relationship between systemic diseases, body mass index and periodontal treatment needs in an older population in Greece.Material and MethodsA total of 262 older people were clinically examined about their periodontal status and medical histories were recorded using a health history questionnaire. Additionally, weight and height measurements as well as demographic data were obtained from the participants in the study.ResultsOlder people exhibited mean age of 63.98 years, weight of 78.76 kg and height of 1.64 m. The mean CPITN score was 2.84. 31.7% of the study population were smokers and 53.8% females. No statistically significant difference was observed in seniors between periodontal treatment needs and systemic diseases. Females exhibited statistically significant more often osteoporosis, thyroid disorders (p<0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (p=0.014) than males. High CPTIN scores were not associated with higher levels of BMI.Conclusions Within the limitation of this study, older adults’ periodontal treatment needs are not associated significantly with a great number of systemic diseases and body mass index. Key words:Seniors, periodontitis, systemic diseases, body mass index (BMI), smoking, Greece.

Periodontal disease and systemic diseases in an older population

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship between older adults’ medical and oral conditions and their self-reports of periodontal conditions with clinically obtained data. BackgroundConcerns about oral health of elders and its association with systemic diseases have been gaining more attention. MethodsA total of 201 older subjects were interviewed about their previous medical and dental histories and were asked to complete a health questionnaire. Each subject received full mouth exam, including counting number of natural teeth remaining, gingival (GI) and plaque index (PI), CPITN and denture status. ResultsElders who completed health questionnaires had mean age of 62.5. Mean CPITN score was 1.62(±1.12), PI was 1.57(±1.48), and GI was 1.55(±1.31). Women had higher prevalence of CVD and osteoporosis than men (p=0.008, p=0.0001, respectively). Subjects who reported bleeding upon brushing had higher PI and GI scores (p=0.03, p=0.05, respectively). Smokers were more likely to describe their periodontal tissues as unhealthy (72.3% vs. 27.7%, p=0.01), whereas self-reports of healthy vs. unhealthy gums did not differ between non-smokers. ConclusionThese findings suggest that a number of systemic conditions are associated with indicators of periodontal disease, and self-reports of oral conditions are independent of systemic diseases.

Periodontal status of Tibetan refugees residing in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Objective: Oral health is an integral part of the general health, however, oral health has been given lower priority than other health problems especially among the underprivileged refugee population. Out of total refugees in the world, 70% of the refugees belong to Tibet. This study was taken up to assess the periodontal status and treatment needs of Tibetans residing in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India and to explore and suggest better oral health care delivery to them. Materials and Methods: Tibetans above the age of 12 years were included in this cross-sectional study. American Dental Association (ADA) Type-3 examination was conducted. Data regarding demography and oral health practices was recorded on a structured format. For recording periodontal status and treatment need index was used. The data was analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. Results: A total of 550 subjects were examined for CPITN. Maximum subjects 266 (48.3%) had a CPITN score of 2 (Calculus and other plaque retentive factors). 27% (149) subjects had healthy peridontium. Female periodontal status was worse than males. It was also found that mean number of healthy sextants was higher in subjects who brush twice a day (3.5) when compared to those who brush once a day (2.4). Conclusion: The study revealed poor periodontal status among Tibetans and dental treatment requirement steadily increased with the advancement of age and was also related to other factors like poverty, education, and their tough life where oral health is given no priority.

Assessment of periodontal status and treatment needs among 12 and 15 years old school children in udaipur, India

To assess and compare the periodontal status and treatment needs among school children aged 12 and 15 years in public and private schools of Udaipur, India and to provide baseline data for planning and evaluation of oral health care promotion programmes. A cross-sectional descriptive survey. A survey was conducted on 900 school children aged 12 and 15 years in Udaipur. The data were collected by means of clinical examination using the CPITN index. Data was analysed using Pearson's Chi-square and student's t-test. Children aged 15 years had higher scores of healthy gingiva compared with 12 years old. Gender difference of females having better gingival health than males was seen in both age groups. Amongst the schools, children in private schools had good periodontal status in comparison to public schools. A statistically significant association between frequency of tooth brushing and CPITN scores was found among children of the 15 year old group. There is a need for a long term school oral health promotion program to sustain the healthy tissues of this growing Indian population.

A comparison of oral and dental manifestations in diabetic and non-diabetic uremic patients receiving hemodialysis

Background:The purpose of the study was to evaluate the oral and dental findings of uremic patients receiving hemodialysis and to compare the Results between diabetic and non-diabetic groups.Materials and Methods:A total of 100 patients undergoing hemodialysis were classified into diabetic and non-diabetic groups and examined for uremic oral manifestations, dental caries (DMFT), and periodontal status (CPITN). Mann-Whitney test of significance has been applied for analyzing DMFT score and chi-square test is used for analyzing CPITN score.Results:Of the study group, 46% were diabetic and only 11% of them did not have any oral manifestation. Oral manifestations observed were xerostomia and uremic odor, which contributed to 47 (23%) and 37 (17%), respectively. Hyperpigmentation was present in 26 (12%), macroglossia in 23 (11%), and uremic tongue coating in 24 (11%). Mucosal petechiae were seen in 17 patients contributing to 8% of total patients. Eleven patients had tongue pallor (5%), 9 patients had glossitis with depapillation (4%), and 7 patients had dysgeusia (3%). Angular cheilitis and gingival swelling were seen in 5 patients (2%).Conclusion:The oral and dental manifestations were higher in prevalence in the study group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups.

A comparison of the serum lipid level between patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals

Background and aims. A link between the occurrence of severe periodontitis and several systematic health changes including an altered lipid metabolism has been suggested. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between chronic periodontitis and serum lipid levels. Materials and methods. Thirty patients with chronic periodontitis (the community periodontal index of treatment needs – CPITN scores III & IV; age range 30-40 years old) as test group and 30 healthy individuals as control group were selected. The levels of serum lipids including total cholesterol and triglyceride as well as high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) were assessed. The relationship between serum lipids and periodontal disease was tested using Student’s t-test. Results. There were no significant differences in any criteria between case and control groups. The presence of periodontal disease was significantly related with higher total cholesterol in the case group (p < 0.05). Triglycerides, HDL, and LDL did not show any difference between case and control groups. Conclusion. Chronic periodontitis raises the chance of occurrence of hyperlipidemia in healthy people. The findings of this study support the reports linking increased prevalence of changing serum lipids among patients with periodontal disease.

The oral health status of street children in Adana, Turkey

To determine the oral health status of street children and compare the results with a group of non-working children in Adana, Turkey. Street children are generally defined as any boy or girl for whom the street has become his or her habitual abode and/or source of livelihood; and who is inadequately protected, supervised, or directed by responsible adults. Demographic data including education, employment and social insurance of parents and number of siblings, was obtained. A formal interview with structured questions was used in order to determine the oral health behaviour of the children. Oral examinations were performed according to the criteria of the WHO oral examination form. The oral health behaviour of street children was significantly different from non-working children. While DMFT and dmft scores of the street youths were significantly lower than the control group, they had higher CPITN scores (p< or =0.001). Street children are commonly faced with oral health problems, especially periodontal problems. Therefore, the dental and periodontal needs of this particular population must be addressed. Oral health policies and preventive services including oral health promotion programmes which aim to give information about dental issues and to make positive changes in behavioural and environmental factors should be developed. The priority should be to control the factors which result in the occurrence of new dental problems.