DMFT and Peridontal status of girls from some private schools of Multan

ABSTRACT

Dental caries and the gingival problems are still two of major chronic diseases of oral cavity. Periodic evaluation of the two is necessary for calculating their incidence to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing preventive programs and to plan further for eradication of these problems. This study was aimed to assess the DMFT and periodontal problems of 12-15 years old girls from posh area schools. Relationship of the brushing habits, the meal frequency and the socioeconomic factors to the above two problems had to be established. Four hundred thirteen [413] girls students of 12 to 15 years of age attending private schools were examined in daylight with the help of a dental mirror and a blunt probe. A Performa was used to enter the findings of oral diseases, socio-economic status, brushing habit and food habits etc. Average DMFT score of 413 participants was 1.25. The students from middle class and rich class had a score of 0.89 and 1.35 respectively. Those who brushed once and twice had DMFT scores of 0.95 and 1.44 respectively. Girls having meal two times had 1.37 score, while those having three time meals had 1.20 score. Average involvement of 3.25 Sixant was observed.[Middle class 3.17 while rich class 3.33]. 52.12% participants had zero DMFT. While only 16.92% had zero periodontal problem. The results of DMFT scores are not much different from other international studies. Same is the case of periodontal problems but the two problems do exist and need a care. The results also show that the DMFT is not dependent upon the brushing one performs and the meals one takes but it is the proper brushing and the type of meals which are important. There is still a need for conducting comprehensive oral hygiene awareness programs and provision of skilled services for prevention and interception of oral diseases