Prevalence of dental caries in the permanent dentition of patients seeking orthodontic treatment in Bara Kahu

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and distribution of carious lesions in patients seeking orthodontic treatment. A total of 100 patients including both males and females were recruited consecutively during a one year period. Patients' pretreatment orthodontic records including charts, radiographs and photographs were examined carefully for the presence of carious lesions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Prevalence of caries was high in the maxilla as compared to mandible. Most frequently involved teeth in both the arches were first molars followed by second molars. An assessment of caries risk of the patients is mandatory before initiating orthodontic treatment in order to gain favorable outcomes of the treatment

Distribution of dental caries and its relationship to risk factors

The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of caries in the oral cavity and its relationship to risk factors. A total of 115 patients including both males and females were randomly selected for the study. Information about risk factors was collected by face to face interviews. Oral examination was performed to evaluate distribution of caries. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Mean DMFT index of the studied population was calculated to be 5.04. The value was higher in females than males. Prevalence of caries was high in the mandible as compared to maxilla. Most frequently involved teeth were first and second molars and occlusal surface was the commonly affected surface. There was a significant relationship between caries and risk factors. Distribution of dental caries in the oral cavity follows a specific pattern. Risk factors influence the caries susceptibility of the individuals