Dental carries frequency in children of age 6 to 12 in different communities of Faisalabad

ABSTRACT

Dental disease is prevalent among young children, particularly those from lower socioeconomic populations; however few preschool-aged children ever visit a dentist. Dental caries is a common childhood disease. To observe the frequency of dental caries particularly focusing on effects of regular brushing habits with fluoride tooth paste on dental caries in children of different communities of Faisalabad. Cross sectional study. Setting Four communities of Faisalabad located at Punjab Medical College Colony, Youngwala, Agricultural University Colony, People Colony No.2. Six months from 01 -07-2009 to 31-12-2009. Total 379 patients were included in this study. Dental caries status was recorded after complete intraoral examination of selected children. Sample of drinking water was taken from each patient and fluoride level was measured in Laboratory. Mean age of the children was observed 8.8 +/- 1.8 years. When socioeconomic status of studied population was considered majority i.e. 150 children [39.6%] was from higher socioeconomic class, 139 children [36.7%] were from middle class and 90 children [23.7%] from lower socioeconomic class. As for as sources of drinking water is concerned 132 children [34.9%] using ground water, 113 children [29.8%] canal water, 83 children [21.9%] filtered water and 51 children [13.4%] mineral water and level of fluoride in drinking water, [sources ground water, canal, filter water and mineral water is < 0.7 PPM which is suboptimal for caries protection]. Regular brushing with fluoride containing tooth paste were very effective in preventing dental caries. Dental health services should focus primarily on the prevention of dental caries