Mean Decayed, Missing, And Filled Teeth Score Research Articles

Oral Health Status and Oral Health-Related Behaviours of Hong Kong Students with Vision Impairment

This cross-sectional epidemiological study aimed to describe dental caries and oral hygiene conditions among visually impaired students in Hong Kong. Students aged 6–21 years from two specialised schools for those with vision impairment were invited. Information on sociodemographic background and oral health-related behaviours was collected through an online parent-reported questionnaire. Dental caries and oral hygiene were assessed using the Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), respectively. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests were conducted to analyse the association between students’ background and oral health status. A total of 73 participants were recruited, of whom 57.5% were male. Their mean (SD) age was 12.9 (4.7) years. Their mean DMFT score (SD) was 1.0 (1.8), and 43.8% had caries experience. The mean VPI (SD) was 0.76 (0.30). Their caries experience was significantly associated with their snacking habits (p = 0.013). Male participants had poorer oral hygiene than females (p = 0.048). In summary, dental caries is prevalent among visually impaired students in Hong Kong and their oral hygiene condition is unsatisfactory. Caries experience is significantly associated with snacking frequency, whereas oral hygiene is associated with gender. More specially designed preventive oral health measures should be provided for visually impaired students and their caretakers.

Oral health in cancer palliative care: cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPatients on anticancer therapy attending palliative care services often have oral health problems, but not enough is known in this regard (in India). This cross-sectional study aimed to elucidate this...

Awareness of Nutrition Facts Labeling and Its Relation to Oral Health Practices and Caries Experience Among Adult Patients.

To investigate the relationship between the usage of nutrition facts labels (NFL) and oral and dietary practices and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sample of 150 adult dental patients attending the King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Electronic dental records were accessed to record each patient's DMFT score. Only 38% (N=57) of the participants read the NFL on their food. A statistically significant association was found between patients' DMFT scores and the NFL reading. Participants who said they read NFLs had lower mean DMFT scores than those who said they did not (8.4 vs. 10.5). The results of this study demonstrate that there is low usage of NFL among participants. A significant association was noted between the reading of the NFL and caries experience as measured using the DMFT index.

Dental Caries, Tooth Loss and Quality of Life of Individuals Exposed to Social Risk Factors in Northeast Brazil.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of dental caries and tooth loss on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in socioeconomically disadvantaged people. A population-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 cities at social risk in Northeast Brazil. All permanent residents aged 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years were eligible, and 3063 were included. Participants answered a questionnaire on socioeconomic status, beliefs, and behaviors. Trained local dentists performed oral clinical examinations during home visits. Caries and tooth loss were evaluated using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and OHRQoL was evaluated using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14). Poisson regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between individual domains, OHIP-14 scores, dental caries, tooth loss, and socioeconomic/demographic characteristics. Mean DMFT (standard deviation) scores were 2.68 (4.01), 4.84 (4.30), 15.35 (7.26), and 26.72 (8.03) for groups aged 12, 15-19, 35-44, and 65-74 years, respectively. Most participants (70%) were partially edentulous and 13% were completely edentulous. Caries and tooth loss significantly increased with age and impacted OHRQoL. Physical pain (5.8%) and psychological discomfort (5.8%) were the most commonly reported on the OHIP-14. Untreated caries (prevalence ratio (PR), 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37-1.72) and edentulism (PR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08-1.53) had a significant negative impact on OHRQoL. Income, level of education, sex, age, and oral hygiene habits were also related to OHRQoL. There was a high prevalence of dental caries and edentulism in all age groups except 12-year-olds. OHRQoL was negatively impacted by these oral conditions across the lifespan, with a trend towards more negative scores and higher impact in older adults.

Evaluation and relation of oral health-related quality of life and oral health status in Thalassemia Major patients, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundBeta-Thalassemia is the most common human inherited disease, directly impacting patients’ physical and psychosocial aspects. The present study evaluated oral health status, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and their correlation in Thalassemia Major patients.MethodsTwo hundred Thalassemia Major patients aged 12–49 participated in this cross-sectional study. Subjects were selected among the patients referred to the Faculty of Dentistry of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences using simple sampling. Oral Health Impact Profile 14 (OHIP 14) was used to assess OHRQoL. The decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index was used as an oral health index. SPSS 22 was used for analysis, using T and Pearson Correlation tests.Results53% of participants were female, and 47% were male. The mean OHIP-14 score (± SD) was 13.20 (± 7.01). The mean DMFT score was 9.54 (± 5.72). DMFT and total OHIP 14 scores correlated significantly (p < 0.001, r = 0.78). All domains of the OHIP-14 score were also significantly correlated with DMFT (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPoor oral health conditions might adversely affect OHRQoL in TM patients. It seems necessary to provide oral treatment needs in order to improve OHRQoL in patients suffering from this particular disease.

Salivary Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacity in Smokeless Tobacco (Naswar) Users.

Naswar, a smokeless tobacco product, commonly consumed in Pakistan, is associated with a 10-fold increase in the risk of oral cancer. However, little is known about Naswar's underlying toxicity mechanisms. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of Naswar use on oral health and salivary parameters. A case-control study was conducted among Naswar users (n=42) and age-matched healthy controls (n=42) in Pakistan in 2019. Participant data were collected using questionnaires. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores were computed during clinical examinations. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to assess salivary flow rate, pH, and salivary total oxidative stress (TOS)/total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using commercially available kits. Participants' oral health parameters were compared between cases and controls using ANOVA. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, oral health, and hygiene practices and mean DMFT score. Mean salivary pH and the salivary flow rate was significantly (p<0.001) higher in Naswar users (7.7 and 0.71 mL/minute, respectively) than in non-users (6.95 and 0.52 mL/minute, respectively). Although TOS and TAC were not significantly different between the groups, Naswar users generally had a higher TOS (51.6±42 µmol/L) and lower TAC (0.55±0.18 mmol/L) than non-users (TOS 45.5±38.2 µmol/L and TAC 0.57±0.17 mmol/L). Correlational analysis also revealed a significant positive correlation between DMFT score andNaswar use duration (r=0.796, p<0.001)and the number of dips/units consumed each day (r=0.515; p<0.001). Habitual Naswar use is associated with increased salivary flow rate, pH, and TOS, and reduced TAC levels in Pakistani adults compared to non-users. The pro-oxidant changes may contribute toward deleterious effects of Naswar use including oral cancer.

Assessment of Oral Health Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and DMFT Scores among Patients at King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa.

Background and Objectives: Oral health is one of the most significant issues in public health. The Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) Index is a useful tool for assessing and measuring the state of oral health in a community. This study aimed to evaluate oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices among participants who visited a dental clinic at King Faisal University and to evaluate their DMFT scores. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at the King Faisal University dental complex, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using a simple random sampling technique. The data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire in English and Arabic. All statistical analyses were carried out using the SPSS 20 software. A chi square and ANOVA test were used to assess the association. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There were a total of 260 participants, of whom 193 (74.2%) were male and 67 (25.8%) were female. Most participants, 173 (66.5%), were between the ages of 18 and 28. The majority of the participants 191 (73.5%) believed that bad oral hygiene led to gum disease. Additionally, major issues while visiting dental clinics, the importance of routine dental clinic visits, the existence of a connection between oral and general health, brushing time and frequency of change of used brush were significantly influenced by gender (p < 0.05). In terms of the DMFT index, mean numbers of decaying teeth (D) were 4.82 ± 4.15, mean numbers of missing teeth (M) were 1.56 ± 2.94, mean numbers of filled teeth (F) were 5.17 ± 5.28 and mean DMFT score was 11.56 ± 6.32, with a statistically significant difference observed (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study concluded that, although some of the study participants neglected oral hygiene practices, the majority of participants had good knowledge and attitudes regarding the significance of oral hygiene. Owing to inadequate practices, the decayed, missing, and filled teeth scores increased with increasing age. Additionally, gender had no significant impact on the mean scores for decayed, missing, and filled teeth, although there were significant differences between age groups.

National Oral Health Policy and Financing and Dental Health Status in 19 Countries

ObjectiveDental caries in permanent teeth is one of the most common health issues—despite being preventable in early stages—due to inadequate regulation of preventive dental services in many countries. This study evaluates the association between regulation of preventive dental services and oral health outcomes. MethodsThis mixed-method study analysed data from 19 member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Oral health outcomes were measured using decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) indexes for children aged 12 to 18 years. Oral health expenditures were measured as a percentage of each country's gross domestic product (GDP). We conducted web-based research and systematically extracted and coded data on dental policy regarding children's preventive dental services. Preventive care was assessed based on legal policy mandating children receive preventive services, availability of free services for children, and regulation of the services provided. We assessed the relationship amongst oral health policy, outcomes, and expenditure using bivariate regression analysis. ResultsThe most common preventive policy category is the availability of free dental services for children (78.95%), and the least common is policy mandating dental services for children (26.32%). The oral health expenditure is correlated with DMFT index (−4.42, P < 0.05). The legal policy mandating dental services for children is correlated with DMFT index (−1.32, P < 0.05) and correlated with average oral health expenditure (0.16, P < 0.05). ConclusionsA percentage increase in oral health expenditure is associated with a 4.42 reduction in DMFT. The existence of legal policy mandating dental care for children is associated with a 1.32 reduction in mean DMFT score and a 0.16% increase in oral health expenditure. These findings highlight the importance of preventive care and may aid policymaking and health system reforms.

Evaluation of the Oral Health Conditions and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in a Community-Dwellers Population Aged ≥ 45 Years in the Canton of Bern: A Preliminary Pilot Study.

To evaluate oral health conditions and oral health-related quality of life in community-dwellers aged ≥ 45 years in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland. One hundred subjects (63% males; mean age: 73 years), selected randomly using a cluster procedure within the Canton of Bern, underwent a clinical oral examination after completing questionnaires on socio-economic level, medical history, oral health behaviour, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Descriptive analyses and multinomial regression models were applied to investigate the association between oral health diseases (dental caries and periodontitis) and specific participant characteristics. The mean number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) was 0.30, 4.20, and 8.75, respectively; the mean DMFT score = 13.35. Dental caries prevalence (ICDAS > 0) was 15% and periodontitis prevalence was 46%. Logistic regression models revealed that living in an urban area was associated with lower odds (OR 0.03, 95%CI 0.00-0.36) of having periodontal disease. Male gender was associated with lower odds for dental caries (OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.09-1.01) and total lack of professional tooth cleaning was associated with higher odds for dental caries (OR 41.99, 95%CI 0.01-0.38). Ordinal logistic regression revealed that both the presence of dental caries (RR 12.80, 95%CI 1.47-111.20) and periodontal disease (RR 6.91, 95%CI 1.16-84.00) were statistically significantly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Within the study limitations, untreated dental caries and periodontal disease are prevalent in the Swiss population, despite the high level of self-performed oral hygiene and access to the dental care system.

Assessment of the prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in preschool children in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India

Aim: The aim of this cross‑sectional study is to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of early childhood caries (ECC) in preschool children of district Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: A total sample of 2859 children aged between 2 and 6 years were selected from Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India. The status of dental caries and decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT) score was recorded. Results: ECC increased significantly with age. Boys had significantly higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score as compared to girls. Children who belonged to low socioeconomic group showed higher caries prevalence and mean DMFT score. Children aged 3–6 years who brushed their teeth twice daily had the least prevalence of dental caries as well as DMFT score when compared to children with one time and no brushing. Conclusion: The early identification of poor oral hygiene and improper feeding habits should be considered in preventive health promotion in low socioeconomic communities of Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Relationship between obesity and dental caries experience in patients attending Tagore Dental College, Chennai, India: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives: This study aims to assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries experience among the patients attending the outpatient department of Tagore Dental College, Chennai, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study with a convenient sampling technique was employed in the outpatient department of Tagore Dental College, Chennai, India. Obesity was recorded by measuring the BMI. Dental caries experience was recorded using the World Health Organization’s recommended “decayed missing and filled teeth (DMFT)” method. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and Student’s (unpaired) t-test. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Dental caries prevalence was 81.9% with a mean DMFT score of 4.23 ± 3.56. Among the study participants, 69.4% were normal weight, 22.9% were overweight, and 6.8% were underweight. No significant association was found between gender with BMI and caries experience. Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was high among the sampled population but the majority of the sampled population had normal BMI. To address public health concerns connected to dental caries, additional oral health prevention programs and policies should be implemented.

Oral health status and its associated factors among post-stroke inpatients: a cross-sectional study in Hungary

BackgroundPost-stroke inpatients are at risk of poor oral health for a number of reasons. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of post-stroke patients and also to explore the factors that may influence it.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was organised at National Institute for Medical Rehabilitation in Hungary. Altogether 410 post-stroke patients were enrolled in the survey. Personal medical history and functional assessment was obtained from the final medical reports of the patients. The clinical examination and data collection were conducted according to the World Health Organization (2013) criteria. Socio-demographic background and behaviours related to oral health were assessed using a questionnaire. The dental status was explained by the number of Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT). The association of socio-demographic factors, stroke and functional assessment with oral health status and behaviour was evaluated. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, Welch test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, ANOVA model and correlation analysis were used to analyse our data. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsMean age of stroke patients was 59.21(Standard Deviation [SD] 14.74) years. Mean DMFT score was 20.13 (8.08), including 3.28 (4.24) decayed teeth, 15.02 (10.29) missing teeth and 1.83 (2.94) filled teeth score. Factors that influenced the oral health status were gender, age, occupational status, level of education, type and risk factors for stroke. Significant correlation was found between the Functional Independence Measure and oral health-related behaviours with patients brushing their teeth once a month showing the lowest value.ConclusionAccording to the results, low socio-demographic and economic status, low level of education and the Functional Independence Measure score, unemployment, the combination of risk factors for stroke and residual dysfunctions are associated with poor oral health status. The data indicate that a series of changes are needed, for special attention and care in oral health for patients who have had a stroke. Based on the findings of this research, a new model of prevention and care can be developed, with an interdisciplinary collaboration, to promote the quality of life of these individuals.

Impact of education and monthly income on caries index of community living in the rural area of Multan - a cross-sectional survey

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Dental decays and periodontal diseases are among the most common ailments of the oral cavity. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index defines the number of the decayed teeth, no of the treated teeth, and the number of teeth missing in oral cavity owing to decay. People&amp;rsquo;s monthly income and level of education influence their behavior toward oral health. The objective of this survey was to assess the impact of education and monthly income on the caries index of the community of Jahangirabad Multan, Pakistan.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; This 3 months survey-based study was conducted among 380 participants from the community of Jahangirabad Multan city. The oral health status of all participants was assessed by using the DMFT index. All individuals with permanent dentition were included in this study.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; There were 209 (55%) males and 171 (45) females. Age range of the participants was from 15 to 40 years. The mean and standard deviation of the DMFT index were 1.5 &amp;plusmn; 0.156, the range of DMFT score was from 0 to 8. The significant association between the mean DMFT score and level of education was observed (p-value = 0.036).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; The population of the rural area of Jahangirabad has an average of 1.5 teeth affected with dental caries. The level of dental caries is found to be inversely proportional to the level of education implying that improving education level of the communities may be one of the factors that can contribute to the reduction in the burden of caries in the rural communities of the country.&lt;/p&gt;

Dental caries experience of 12 year old children from Resen municipality

Introduction: Despite scientific advances and the fact that caries is preventable, dental caries are still the most prevalent dental affliction of childhood within developing countries. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess dental caries in 12-year-old children from Resen municipality suited at the Pelagonia region of the Republic of North Macedonia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, primary school children from sixth grades (N=158 ) were selected from (5) primary schools from the Resen municipality. The Dental status of the children was evaluated during 2020 year, using the 2013 World Health Organization caries diagnostic criteria for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) by 2 calibrated examiners. Data obtained during the survey was stored in a database and statistical analysis with SPSS v.21(IBM). Using the t-test, the data were tested for possible statistically significant differences. A p value&lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Parental consent was obtained for each child. Results: The total number of children (N=158) in the sample was comprising 71(44.94% ) females and 87(55,06%) males. The mean DMFT score of the whole sample was 1.82±1.82. The average DMFT score within female children was 1.70±2.03, while within male children was 1.92±1.64. The average DMFT score within children from urban area was 1.71±1.65, while within children from rural area was 1.94±1.98. The prevalence of caries free children was 36.08%. Conclusion: Тhe prevalence of dental caries within 12-year-old children from the Resen municipality and its surrounding was 63.92%.

Oral hygiene practices and caries experience among school leaving children in rural area

Background: Dental caries is the most common chronic childhood disease and its treatment is the most prevalent unmet health need among school-leaving children. Caries experience among school leaving age group is important as India is a rapidly growing nation in terms of population as today's children are tomorrow's future citizens of the nation. Methodology: To know the oral hygiene practices and caries experience among school-leaving children in a rural area, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Chebrolu Mandal using a multistage random sampling technique to obtain the required sample size. The data were collected using pretested structured questionnaire followed by oral examination using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The descriptive analysis included mean and standard deviations, Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: Only a few children have a habit of brushing their teeth twice daily 137 (27.6%); rinse their mouth after every meal 116 (23.4%); dispose of toothbrush every 3 months (11.7%); spends <1-min brushing (4.8%); and cleans their tongue using tongue cleaner (25.2%). When DMFT scores were compared to the brushing techniques of the children, significantly higher mean DMFT scores were observed in children who brush once a day (1.49 ± 1.133). Conclusion: Caries' experience was more in children who brushed their teeth once a day with horizontal brushing technique and this shows that the study subjects do not follow correct brushing techniques and other oral hygiene practices.

The Relationship of Dental Anxiety, Behaviour, Temperament and Dental Caries in Children

The first dental examination is a major step that is affected by many factors and determines the dental treatment process. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the association of child temperament with child dental anxiety, parental dental anxiety, dental behaviour and dental caries. The study consisted of 100 children aged 3 to 6 who were attending their first dental examination and their accompanying parents. The Facial Image Scale (FIS), Frankl’s Behaviour Scale (FBS), Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS) and the Short Temperament Scale for Children (STSC) were used for assessment. The DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) score of each child was recorded. Children who exhibited negative behaviour on the FBS had the highest rhythmicity scores (p = 0.008). The mean DMFT score of children in the rhythmicity temperamental dimension was relatively high (p = 0.008). The parents of children defined as negative on the FBS had high dental anxiety levels on CDAS (p &lt; 0.001). Children whose parents had higher dental anxiety levels showed higher dental anxiety (p = 0.007). The success rate of dental treatment procedures may be increased by improving dentists’ knowledge of dental anxiety related to the child’s temperament and integrating parental support to reduce dental anxiety.

A Systematic Review on Caries Status of Older Adults

The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update on caries prevalence in older adults aged 60 years or above around the globe. Two independent reviewers performed a systematic literature search of English publications from January 2016 to December 2020 using Pubmed, Scopus, Embase/Ovid and Web of Science. The MeSH terms used were “dental caries”, “root caries”, “DMF index”, “aged” and “aged 80 and over”. Further searches in Google Scholar retrieved eight additional publications. The epidemiological surveys reporting the prevalence of dental caries or root caries or caries experience using DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth) and DFR (decayed and filled root) in older adults aged 60 years or above were included. Quality of the publications was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Studies Reporting Prevalence Data. Among the 5271 identified publications, 39 articles of moderate or good quality were included. Twenty studies were conducted in Asia (China, India, Vietnam, Singapore and Turkey), ten in Europe (Ireland, Norway, Finland, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Romania and Kosovo), three in North America (USA and Mexico), one in South America (Brazil), two in Oceania (Australia) and three in Africa (Malawi, Egypt and South Africa). The prevalence of dental caries ranged from 25% (Australia) to 99% (South Africa), while the prevalence of root caries ranged from 8% (Finland) to 74% (Brazil) in community dwellers. The situation was even worse in institutionalised older adults of which the mean DMFT score varied from 6.9 (Malawi) to 29.7 (South Africa). Based on the included studies published in the last 5 years, caries is still prevalent in older adults worldwide and their prevalence varies across countries.

Prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar and associated risk factors among sixth-grade students in S\xe3o Tom\xe9 Island

BackgroundDental caries is one of the most preventable oral diseases among children in developing countries. This study aims to estimate the prevalence and severity of dental caries in the first permanent molar and analyze the related risk factors among sixth-grade students in São Tomé Island.MethodsA cross-sectional study with a stratified cluster sampling method was conducted on 1855 sixth-grade school children, mainly aged 11 to 14 years old, from 10 schools in 6 regions of São Tomé Island, from April 17 to June 27, 2021. Dental caries examination was performed by using the CAST criteria (DMFT) index, and the self-administered questionnaires about family background, oral hygiene, and relevant behaviors were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to study risk factors related to dental caries of the first permanent molar, and all data analyses were done using SPSS version 25.ResultsThe prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar was 68.79%, without significant difference between gender, age, residence, and whether only child or not. The mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index and mean Decayed, Missing, and Filled Surface (DMFS) index were 1.751 ± 1.514 and 3.542 ± 3.941, respectively. The rate of filling teeth was 5.50%, and Pit and Fissure Sealant (PFS) rate was 2.21%. The overall prevalence and DMFT index of dental caries of permanent teeth was 76.01% and 2.753 ± 4.569, respectively. The results of logistic regression analysis indicated that the frequency of candy/chocolate consumption (OR = 1.095) and fair self-assessment of dental health (OR = 1.354) were significantly associated with dental caries (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe high prevalence of dental caries in the first permanent molar was a public health issue among sixth-grade school children in São Tomé Island. The prevalence of dental caries, mean DMFT and DMFS scores were higher, while the rate of filling and PFS teeth were lower than the average score of other African countries. Thus, oral health education, implement oral health preaching to school children and their parents is crucial to prevent dental caries.

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

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 &gt; 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

Prevalence and Assessment of Experience of Dental Caries Among School Going Adolescents in A Rural Area of Sylhet, Bangladesh

Background: Socio-epidemiological data of dental caries helps to plan effective community interventions.Objective: To estimate the prevalence and assess the experience of dental caries among school going adolescents in a rural area of Bangladesh.Methods: A cross-sectional study was donein Sylhet District in Bangladesh, between January and December of 2014. Students of class VIII, IX and X, aged 12-16 years were taken for the study. A total of 90 studentswere divided into 12-14 years and 15-16 years age groups using simple random sampling technique. A pre-designed, self-administered questionnaire was used for demographic survey. Students were examined for dental caries. Assessment of Experience of dental caries was done by Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth (DMFT) index.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 14.37±0.50 years. Females were 68(75.6%) and males were 22(24.4%). 31(34.4%), 30 (33.3%) and 29(32.2%) were from VIII, IX and X respectively. The older age group (15-16 years) had more decayed teeth than that of 12-14 years group (2.28 vs. 1.46; p=0.04). The mean DMFT score was lower in male compared to female (1.43 vs. 2.30; p&gt;0.05).There was significant difference in the total DMFT score among the classes (p=0.009). Mean DMFT score was 1.88. Caries prevalence was 42.2% in the maxillary arch and 58.9% in the mandibular arch. Among males, the mandibular arch showed a higher caries level (63.64%) than the maxillary arch (40%), while in females, in maxillary and mandibular archeswere 42.64% and 42.65% respectively (p&gt;0.05).Conclusion: 64.4% of the study population had dental caries with male predominance; mandibular arch was more involved.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 05 No. 03 July’21 Page: 336-340