Vulnerability of specific coronal tooth surfaces to dental caries in Saudi versus non Saudi population residing in Jeddah

ABSTRACT

Dental caries is an ancient disease that is present indiscriminately all over the world. Research on dental caries distribution on permanent teeth surfaces among Saudis is non-existent. An adult group of 250 Saudi and 250 non-saudi groups with age range of 18 years and above were randomly selected and their teeth were clinically examined for Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth [DMFT] and surfaces [DMFS]. For each patient a bitewing radiograph was taken for interproximal caries detection. Age range of the study group was 18-50 years, the mean DMFT was 10.4 and 11.2 for Saudi and Nonsaudi subjects respectively. The DMFT increased with age in both groups. The upper posterior decayed teeth showed higher percentage than the lower with more occlusal caries than proximal. Significance was present in the number of Missing Teeth [MT] between both groups for teeth extracted due to caries. The upper premolars had a higher number of decayed, missing and filled teeth than lower premolars. Adults above 18 years of age are highly susceptible to caries. The need on the establishment of new strategies for preventive dental care should be directed toward individuals assessed to be at high risk