Oral Hygiene Habits Research Articles

Prevalence and determinants of early childhood caries among preschool children in district Shimla, North India: a cross -sectional study

BackgroundA high prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) has been reported in children over the past few decades making it a major health burden. The study investigated the prevalence of ECC and associated factors among the preschool children of Shimla district.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was carried out in various government and private preschools of district Shimla from July 2022 to November 2022 where children in the age group of 3–5 years were screened for ECC using the dmft index and their BMI (body mass index) and salivary pH was recorded. Information regarding socio-economic status (SES), feeding, dietary and oral hygiene habits were collected through questionnaire circulated to the parents. Prevalence of ECC was calculated. Association of various factors with ECC prevalence was done using chi square test and correlation of factors with prevalence of ECC was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to assess these variables for prevalence of ECC. The level of statistical significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05.Results1224 school children and their parents were included in the study. The overall prevalence and mean dmf score was 61.6% and 3.21 ± 3.92 respectively. Among these 57% children had caries at 3 years, 64.7% at 4 years and 69.5% at 5 years. Increasing age was associated with increasing prevalence of ECC (OR = 1.034, p = 0.006). The upper socio economic status was significantly associated with risk of ECC than other categories (p = 0.046). Decreasing salivary pH was associated with increased prevalence of ECC (OR = 0.656, p <. 001).ConclusionThe study demonstrated a high prevalence of ECC in the district along with setting the baseline data for the region. Increasing age, upper socioeconomic status and decreasing salivary pH are significantly associated in likelihood of caries whereas other factors like BMI, dietary and feeding and oral hygiene habits are also important factors which were directly or indirectly related to the burden of this disease. Efforts should be made to create more awareness and provide oral health care facilities to help keep the disease under control.

Knowledge, attitudes and preferences of parents/guardians regarding dental treatment of their children's primary teeth: a questionnaire cross-sectional study.

Assess the knowledge and attitudes of parents/guardians regarding their children's oral health and their preferences regarding the treatment of carious primary teeth. A cross-sectional study including the completion of a questionnaire by parents/guardians of healthy children aged 2-12years attending the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (NKUA). Data were collected through 35 questions regarding demographic characteristics of the participants, oral hygiene and dietary habits, and parents' knowledge of the importance of oral health and primary teeth. Treatment preferences were assessed through clinical scenarios accompanied by colored clinical photographs. Results were presented in frequency tables and comparisons with specific child and parent-characteristics were evaluated using chi-squared and Fisher's exact test. Parents were mainly females (73%), married (81%), aged > 40years (56%), and high school graduates (57%). Most children brushed alone (56%), twice (48%) daily, with a manual toothbrush (65%) and consumed sugary snacks daily (38%). More than two-thirds of parents recognized the relationship between oral hygiene and general health (82%) and the importance of primary teeth (72%). Almost all parents would like to restore their children's asymptomatic (94%) and symptomatic (98%) primary teeth, with pulp therapy and stainless-steel crowns being the treatment of choice (58%). The decision on treatment about cavitated/non-cavitated primary teeth was not correlated with any of the parental or child-related factors. Acceptance of minimally invasive treatments was higher among highly educated parents and parents of boys. Insight into parents' perceptions and preferences regarding the treatment of primary teeth is necessary and should be considered during treatment planning.

Minimally Invasive Treatment for Esthetic Enhancement of Enamel Hypoplasia in Upper Central Incisors: Clinical Case Reports

Abstract White enamel discolorations are frequent and can impact patients' quality of life. Enamel hypoplasia is a condition that affects the quality of enamel, resulting in a change in its translucency and color. Minimally invasive procedures of the slightly altered enamel are an effective treatment for improving the esthetic appearance of tooth discoloration. They contribute to a greater longevity of teeth and prevent them from relapsing into the repetitive restorative cycle. Two case reports aimed to show a sequential technique of minimally invasive procedures for treating enamel hypoplasia in anterior teeth. The sequential technique consisted of three steps: anterior teeth were firstly bleached in office with 40% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence™ Boost™, Ultradent Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA), then hypoplastic spots on the buccal incisal thirds of the maxillary central incisors were treated with two sessions of microabrasion using phosphoric acid (Ultra-Etch, Ultradent Produtos Inc, USA) and pumice stone and finally resin infiltrant (Icon, DMG, Germany) was applied on the buccal incisal thirds of teeth in one session. The proposed strategy was based on masking the lesion by infiltrating the porous subsurface enamel with a hydrophobic resin that has a refraction index closer to that of sound enamel, after permeating the non-porous surface enamel through hydrochloric acid erosion. The masking of hypoplastic spots was done with this sequence of treatments and reestablishing color harmony. However, the clinical success can vary depending on the depth of white spots, patient's oral hygiene habit and compliance with post-treatment care instructions.

Safe use of fluoride-containing toothpastes for caries prevention in children

Relevance. Following environmental rehabilitation efforts in Chapayevsk, Samara Region, an increase in the prevalence and severity of dental caries has been observed, particularly among preschool-aged children.Objective. To evaluate the safety of fluoride use for preventing dental caries in children.Material and methods. A survey was conducted among 124 parents of children aged 5–6 years attending preschools and 361 adolescents aged 12 and 15 years, using the WHO questionnaire (2013). Responses regarding oral hygiene habits were analyzed. Fluoride ion concentrations were measured in drinking water using the potentiometric method (GOST 4386-89 S.6), in urine according to GOST 8.563-96, and in toothpastes following GOST 7983-2016. The availability and popularity of fluoride-containing toothpastes in pharmacies and supermarkets were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.26 (IBM Corporation).Results. Over the past 15 years, the fluoride content in drinking water decreased from 0.78–0.91 mg/L to 0.49– 0.71 mg/L following the city’s environmental rehabilitation efforts, remaining suboptimal for caries prevention. Analysis of fluoride excretion via the kidneys indicated low overall fluoride intake from water, toothpaste, and food. A weak correlation was found between the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth) index and urinary fluoride levels (ρ = 0.35), as well as estimated systemic fluoride levels (ρ = 0.36). These results indicate low fluoride intake, eliminating concerns about toxic effects on health. An analysis of toothpaste preferences showed that the population primarily chooses fluoride-free toothpastes or those with fluoride levels below 1000 ppm. This trend is influenced by the product range available, low adherence to preventive dental care, and misinformation from online sources that often attribute negative effects to fluoridation or raise safety concerns. The actual fluoride content in toothpastes was found to be within acceptable technological limits.

Clusters explaining the relation between menopause and self-reported periodontal disease: a cross-sectional study.

Menopause is an important milestone in the women's life continuum and is associated with potentially adverse effects, including those related to oral health. This study assessed self-reported periodontal disease in relation to menopausal status. A cross-sectional study involving a convenience sample of female university dental hospital attendees was conducted using a validated, self-administered, self-reported periodontal disease questionnaire. A two-step cluster analysis was used to categorize the participants based on menstrual period (MP) continuity, systemic diseases and age. Differences between clusters were analyzed using chi-square test. From 112 included participants, three clusters resulted from the analysis: Cluster #1 (37 ± 8 years, no systemic diseases and continued MP), Cluster #2 (40 ± 10, with systemic diseases and continued MP) and Cluster #3 (54 ± 9, with systemic diseases and discontinued MP). Cluster #3 tended to have less optimal oral hygiene habits and more missing teeth (p > 0.05). Clusters #1 and #2 insignificantly reported more gingival bleeding, tooth sensitivity and calculus (p > 0.05). Cluster #3, on the other hand, presented with more self-reported oral dryness (p ≤ 0.05). Within study limits, clusters of menopausal women with systemic diseases reported high symptoms of periodontal disease that were not significantly different from younger individuals, with the exception of oral dryness.

Risk factors for early childhood caries in patients with cleft lip and palate: a descriptive study

Introduction: Cleft lip and/or palate is a common congenital defect. Children with this condition often experience abnormalities in the anatomical and morphological structures of the oral cavity, which contribute to poor oral hygiene and a lack of interest in maintaining dental care. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a prevalent dental health problem in patients with cleft lip and/or palate and is affected by factors such as sugary food consumption, oral hygiene habits, frequency and use of milk bottles, and parental socioeconomic status. This study aims to identify the risk factors for ECC in children with cleft lip and/or palate. Methods: This study employed descriptive research methods, using interviews with ECC risk factor questionnaires and purposive sampling based on Taro Yamane's formula, resulting in a sample of 91 parents of children diagnosed with cleft lip and/or palate. The questionnaires used in this research had undergone validity and reliability testing. The results were analyzed using frequency distribution. Results: The results of this research showed that most respondents had education level equivalent to junior high school or high school (51.65%). The respondents' average income was below 1.5 million as follows, accounting 47.25% of the sample. All respondents (100%) demonstrated good knowledge of maintaining their children's oral hygiene. However, the majority of respondents provided sweet foods (51.65%) and sweet drinks (43.65%) to their children 1-3 times per day. Additionally, 49.45% of respondents reported giving milk to their children before sleep, and 45,05% indicated that their children sometimes fell asleep eating without brushing teeth. Conclusion: The risk factors for ECC in patients with cleft lip and/or palate include parental education and income, children's habit of sleeping after eating without brushing their teeth, frequency of sugary foods consumption, frequency of formula milk consumption, and the practice of giving milk to children before bedtime.

Long-term changes in gingival recessions and their impact on oral health-related quality of life in patients under supportive periodontal therapy: a bidirectional cohort study.

To evaluate changes in gingival recessions (GR) in periodontitis patients over ten years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to assess the impact of GR on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Fifty-one patients with over ten years of SPT were followed up (V1) with complete periodontal status including periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) at 6 sites/tooth, oral hygiene indices, and recession status. Patient anamnesis, oral hygiene habits, and orthodontic history were assessed. Data were compared with records from 10-11.5 years prior (V0). GR changes were analyzed at patient level, and for all teeth with deep GR ≥3mm at tooth and site level (mid-buccal site). OHRQoL was assessed at V1 (OHIP-G14 questionnaire). Possible risk factors for GR progression and the associations between the number of deep GR and OHRQoL were tested (linear mixed-effects models, linear regression). The analysis included 45 patients (stage III/IV periodontitis). Patients retained most teeth (V0: 23.87±4.38; V1: 22.53±4.78), with stable mean overall PPD (V0: 2.34±0.35mm; V1: 2.39±0.26mm) and CAL (V0: 3.56±0.94mm; V1: 3.56±0.89mm). Teeth with deep GR showed overall only minimal mean GR progression (0.16±0.97 mm). The mean increase at the mid-buccal sites was 0.66±1.58mm. 10% of patients had >1mm GR progression at the mid-buccal site. Molars showed less GR progression than anterior teeth. The number of deep GR did not significantly impact OHRQoL. Periodontitis patients on regular SPT showed high periodontal stability with minimal GR progression. The number of deep GR was not associated with OHRQoL.

Association of iron deficiency anemia with dental caries in the permanent first molars of children aged 7–12 years in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan: protocol for an analytical cross-sectional study

IntroductionIron deficiency anaemia (IDA) and dental caries are prevalent diseases among Pakistani children. Limited research has been done to explore their association with permanent teeth. Given the caries susceptibility of...

The Relationship Between Anxiety, Age, Gender, and Periodontal Status: A Case-Control Study

Background: Dental anxiety is a common issue observed in the general population and poses a significant barrier to achieving optimal oral health. This study aims to examine the relationship between dental anxiety, periodontal status, oral hygiene habits, and sociodemographic factors in patients seeking periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 150 individuals aged 18-65 were divided into three groups based on clinical and radiographic periodontal examinations: gingivally healthy (n=50), gingivitis (n=50), and periodontitis (n=50). Following periodontal diagnosis, participants were asked to complete the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C). The relationships between dental anxiety levels, periodontal status, sociodemographic data, and oral hygiene habits were assessed, with a significance level of p

Assessment of Parents’ Awareness Towards Space Maintainers: A Cross‑Sectional Study

Purpose: Premature primary tooth loss in the primary and mixed dentition can cause malocclusion in the permanent dentition. Children with primary and mixed dentitions require space maintainers to avoid malocclusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of parental awareness regarding the use of space maintainers, oral hygiene practices, and the significance of primary teeth. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, a questionnaire comprising 20 questions was utilized, encompassing four primary categories: 1) sociodemographic data, 2) parental awareness regarding oral hygiene habits, 3) recognition of the significance of primary teeth and the children's previous tooth extraction experience, and 4) parents’ knowledge level about the use of space maintainers. The survey was administered to 240 parents who have children aged between 2-15 years and who were both physically and psychologically healthy, literate in Turkish, and capable of completing a survey. Descriptive statistical analysis was employed to interpret the findings. Results: Despite the fact that 45% children lost primary teeth due to decay, trauma or other reasons, 40.9% of parents declared that they had no idea that early loss of primary teeth could damage permanent teeth. Additionally, only 35.8% of parents stated that they had knowledge of what a space maintainer is; it was found that those parents who were familiar with space maintainers also had a high level of knowledge about its use. Conclusions: It is concluded that there is a need to enhance parental awareness concerning the utilization of space maintainers as a preventive measure following the premature loss of primary teeth.

Assessment of Oral Hygiene Habits and Periodontal Status of Patients During and After Orthodontic Treatment

Purpose: Gingival recession is a commonly reported symptom following orthodontic treatment, for which identification is crucial to therapeutic management. The aims of this study were to determine the frequency of recession occurring after orthodontic treatment, assess the gingival phenotype in patients with recession, and investigate the various types of recession. Materials and Methods: This study involved 80 patients aged 18-65 years who had completed fixed orthodontic treatment, and they were categorized into two groups based on the presence of gingival recession. Periodontal indices were obtained for all patients. Patients with gingival recession had assessments taken for gingival recession depth, gingival recession width, gingival tissue thickness, and keratinized gingival width. Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of p&amp;lt;0.05 to compare participants with and without gingival recession. Results: Patients with gingival recession exhibited significantly lower rates of gingivitis than those without gingival recession. Tooth number 31 exhibited the highest incidence of gingival recession, at 31.2%. Gingival recession was observed in 93.5% of Cairo Class 1 patients. Among the participants, 51.9% had a thin gingival phenotype, while 48.1% had a thick phenotype. Conclusion: To minimize the risk of gingival recession and maintain periodontal health, the study highlights the need for careful evaluation and preventive actions throughout and following orthodontic treatment.

Awareness and Attitudes of Dental Students Regarding Contemporary Oral Hygiene Practices

Aim: This study aimed to explore the dental students’ contemporary oral hygiene practices, their knowledge of oral care procedures, and determine the effect of dental education on eventual changes in the oral hygiene habits of the students of two different dental faculties. Methods: This study included 377 students in two dental faculties. Habits, knowledge, and attitudes regarding dental care were obtained from the questionnaire. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by applying the Chi-Square test. Results: The students at Ankara Medipol University (52.3%) had a significantly higher knowledge of the working principle of power toothbrushes (oscillating-rotating) (p

Oral hygiene habits in adolescents with disturbаnces in the nutritional status

Oral hygiene habits in adolescents with disturbаnces in the nutritional status

Assessment of risk of dental caries among middle school children based on carbohydrate intake in Pune: Cross-sectional study

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between carbohydrate intake and the risk of dental caries among middle school children aged 11-15 years in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Objective: Dental caries is a prevalent oral disease, particularly in this age group, as most permanent teeth have erupted, making them vulnerable to decay if proper oral hygiene and dietary habits are not maintained. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 students from various schools in Pune. Data were collected through questionnaires and clinical examinations done through DMFT &amp; DMFS index, focusing on dietary habits, brushing frequency, and oral hygiene practices. Result: The result of the study shows that there is a significant differences in oral hygiene practices based on intake of carbohydrate, with notable correlation between high carbohydrate intake and increased DMFT and DMFS scores. Specifically, children consuming &gt;20% carbohydrates exhibited significantly higher mean DMFT (3.57 + 3.64) and DMFS mean scores (8.71 + 11.41) compared to those with lower carbohydrate intake &lt;20% had low DMFT mean (1.98+1.57) and DMFS mean (3.07+2.99) Conclusion: The study shows that Children consuming more carbohydrates diet showed more dental caries compared to those with less carbohydrate intake

Impact of Exam Stress on Oral Hygiene and Periodontal Indices of Yazd Dental Students in 2024

Introduction: Exams can be a potential cause of increasing students' academic stress. The current study examined the impact of exam-related stress on the oral health practices and periodontal measures of Yazd dental students in 2024. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a census was conducted on 42 fourth-year students. Following the acquisition of consent, two weeks prior and during the final week of the exams, measurements of the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and stress levels were taken using the Gadzella questionnaire for comparison. Furthermore, the connection among gender, living apart from the family, and dormitory life concerning stress levels was explored. The students’ oral health habits of the students were also assessed via self-reporting. No guidance or hygiene instructions were given to the participants, and if there was any alternation in the frequency of brushing or flossing, the sample was excluded. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS22 software along with and paired T, Wilcoxon and Pearson tests. Results: Gender, living with the family or independently, and living in a dormitory or a private home had no impact on students’ stress levels. The alternations in the PI and GI indices as well as academic stress changes were notable (P-value&lt; 0.001). No significant correlation was detected between PI and GI concerning the frequently of brushing or flossing (P-value &gt;0.05). Conclusion: Taking into account the rise among students during exam periods along with the absents of a link between these changes and their overall oral hygiene habits, it seems that the stress from exams adversely affects oral health.

Self-Reported Oral Hygiene Performance of Patients in Albania: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

Background/Objectives: Oral hygiene is a key factor for dental and periodontal diseases and the prognosis of any treatment to restore their consequences. The present survey aimed to evaluate how well informed patients in Albania are on oral hygiene, given the scarce evidence on this topic. Methods: This survey was performed using a Google Forms questionnaire on oral hygiene habits, type and technique of instruments used, and frequency of dental recall visits. Results: A total of 1006 questionnaires were filled in a one-month time period (January 2020) from a population of 75.2% females and 24.8% males, 32.7 ± 11.3 years of age, from whom 94.6% reported a lack of systemic diseases and 80% were non-smokers. All of the population brushed their teeth at least once daily. The most used type of toothbrush was a manual one (91.1%) with medium-bristle hardness in 71% of cases. The most prevalent way of using the toothbrush was through circular movements (36.7%) with a duration of 2-3 min in 72% of the population. Only 77.1% of the population used interdental instruments, mainly interdental floss. Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, it could be concluded that the present population seemed to be mostly appropriately informed, but the information needs further revision and promotion by dentists.

HUBUNGAN PERILAKU PENDERITA DIABETES MELLITUS DENGAN STATUS KEBERSIHAN GIGI DAN MULUT

The background of this research is that oral hygiene is an important aspect of healthcare, especially for diabetes mellitus patients who are prone to oral complications. Diabetes mellitus, characterized by high blood sugar levels, can trigger bacterial growth and worsen oral hygiene. The problem is that the behavior of diabetes mellitus patients greatly affects their oral hygiene status, yet many diabetes mellitus patients exhibit inadequate oral care behaviors. This study aims to determine the relationship between the behavior of diabetes mellitus patients and their oral hygiene status at Puskesmas Mutiara Barat, Pidie District. The research methodology employs a cross-sectional design with a sample of 40 diabetes mellitus patients visiting the Mutiara Barat Health Center in Pidie District. Data collection was conducted through interviews using a questionnaire and assessment of oral and dental hygiene status using the OHIS index. The research took place from March 8 to May 2 2024. The results showed that of the 40 respondents, 62.5% had poor behavior and 62.5% had poor oral and dental hygiene status. Bivariate analysis using the Chi-Square test indicated a significant relationship between the behavior of diabetes mellitus patients and their oral and dental hygiene status (p = 0.000). Poor behavior, such as not regularly maintaining oral hygiene, contributes to poor oral conditions in diabetes mellitus patients. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between the behavior of diabetes mellitus patients and their oral and dental hygiene status. It is recommended that diabetes mellitus patients improve their oral hygiene habits, control blood sugar levels well, and regularly check their teeth. Health workers are expected to provide comprehensive and ongoing education on the importance of maintaining oral and dental hygiene for diabetes mellitus patients.

Dynamic effects of fixed orthodontic treatment on oral health and oral microbiota: a prospective study

ObjectiveThis prospective clinical study examined the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on oral hygiene and assessed changes in the oral microflora structure of orthodontic patients using high-throughput sequencing technology.MethodsA total of 45 patients undergoing initial fixed orthodontic treatment were recruited from three hospitals in Beijing, China. Clinical parameters and oral hygiene habits questionnaire were recorded at pre-treatment (T0) and at a 6-month follow-up (T1). Saliva samples were collected for DNA extraction, PCR amplification, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. Microbial diversity and structural changes in abundance were evaluated.ResultsAfter six months of orthodontic treatment, patients’ daily brushing frequency increased (P ≤ 0.01), while the plaque index and the debris index decreased. A total of 3,344,549 valid tags were obtained from 90 saliva samples. After the six-month follow-up, the microbial diversity in patients’ saliva samples increased significantly. High-throughput sequencing identified 3,662 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs), with the dominant phyla being Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Firmicutes, Actinobacteriota, Fusobacteriota, Patescibacteria, Campylobacterota and Spirochaetota. At the phylum level, the abundance of Firmicutes_C and Spirochaetota at T1 significantly increased compared to T0.ConclusionDuring fixed orthodontic treatment, although patients’ oral hygiene habits improved, significant changes in the oral microbiota structure were still observed, with an increase in anaerobic and pathogenic bacteria that may potentially impact oral health.

Investigation of oral health findings and genotype correlations in osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta, a common genetic connective tissue disorder affecting bone with multisystemic implications, is caused by genomic alterations at various levels that disrupt the biosynthesis stages of collagen Type I. This study evaluated the intraoral and clinical findings of 43 OI cases in relation to genetic variants, aiming to contribute new insights into the roles of collagen and non-collagen genes in the oral-dental pathology of OI. Significant associations were found between OI variants and dental anomalies such as dentinogenesis imperfecta, enamel hypoplasia, taurodontism, and hypodontia. COL1A1/2-truncated variants were linked to atypical intercanine width, and midface hypoplasia correlated with reduced overjet and overbite. Bisphosphonate treatment, especially when initiated before age two, was associated with enamel hypoplasia. Oral hygiene habits, including brushing frequency and use of additional products, were linked to lower DMFT. In the OI group, significant associations were noted between Angle Class III malocclusion and reduced brushing frequency, as well as between deep palatal vault and increased DMFT. A correlation was also observed between maximum mouth opening and joint hypermobility. These findings, along with new dental observations related to non-collagen variants, shed light on the oral health challenges in OI patients. Our study underscores the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between dentistry and medical genetics in understanding complex conditions like OI. The comprehensive analysis of oral and dental findings in OI cases is expected to inform future research and enhance clinical approaches to managing the dental challenges associated with this disorder.

Prevalence of Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease, Access to Dental Services and Perception of Oral Health in Adolescents and Adults from a Rural Community in Angola.

To investigate the epidemiological profile of dental caries and periodontal disease, access to dental services, and perception of oral health in adolescents and adults from a rural community in Angola. This is an observational, analytical and cross-sectional study, performed with 575 individuals aged between 12 and 40 years. The prevalence of caries and periodontal disease was assessed using the DMFT index and the Community Periodontal Index. Data on access to dental services, health and oral hygiene habits, and perception of oral health were collected through interviews. 42.8% never had a dental appointment; 85.1% had their last consultation in a public health service; 60.2% considered the service to be average/poor; 32.5% had their last consultation due to pain; 57.4% considered their oral health to be good/very good; 51.0% brushed their teeth twice a day; and 36.9% did not use toothpaste. The prevalence of untreated caries was 72.9% and only 1.7% of teeth affected by tooth decay were restored. A mean of 0.88 ± 1.44 sextants showed gingival bleeding; 1.46 ± 1.74 showed dental calculus; and 0.16 ± 0.58 showed periodontal pockets. The prevalence of sextants with periodontal pockets of 6 mm or more was 1.7%. The prevalence of untreated caries was high, while periodontal disease does not represent a severe problem in this population. Access to dental services is poor and limited to extractions.