Dental visit patterns and periodontal treatment needs among Saudi students

The aim of this study was to report on dental visit patterns and their association with periodontal health among young Saudi Arabian students. A representative sample of 3090 students was randomly selected. The students' dental visit patterns were assessed with a questionnaire. Clinical examinations were carried out using the community periodontal index of treatment needs. Age, sex and education level were significantly associated with the periodontal health. The prevalence of periodontal disease was significantly lower among subjects who were taught the right way to brush their teeth by the dentist. The highest occurrence of healthy periodontium [23.9%] and the lowest need for complex treatment [0%] were found among students who had annual reminders for check-ups [only 2.8% of the students

Pattern of premature tooth loss in the primary dentition of Saidi Arabian children

A study of premature tooth loss in the primary teeth of Saudi Arabian children was carried out to determine the magnitude and the major causes of such loss. Caries accounted for the majority of the teeth [80%] that were extracted. There was no difference amongst the sexes with regards to premature tooth loss. The age group 6-12 years, however, had the largest number of teeth extracted. The need for a preventive oral health program to combat early loss of primary teeth was stressed