Carious-missing-filled teeth and periodontal status; 12-15 years old boys from a government school of multan

ABSTRACT

Objectives of this study were to find the extent of dental and periodontal diseases in 12-15 years old school children and to find the co relation with the socioeconomic status, brushing habits and number of meals. 160 students of 12-15 years age of a government school were examined for this purpose and a proforma was filled for socioeconomic status, food habits and brushing etc. The examination was performed in day light using a dental mirror and a blunt probe. The records were made in the proforma by an assistant. The DMFT was 1.67 in average. The poor group [N 22] 2.4, the middle class [N 132] 1.5 Those claiming once a day brushing showed better DMFT score [1.8] while those claiming twice daily brushing had more DMFT score [2.1]. More frequent meals were related to more DMFT [1.86] as compared to less frequent meals [0.8]. The periodontal health was better in middle socioeconomic status than the poor group. Once a day brushing and less frequent meals were related to better gums. Only 8.1% of total 160 participants assessed were having healthy gums while 47% had zero DMFT score. Although the DMFT scores are not very high but there is a need to have dental education programs involving all strata of population for better understanding and better prevention of diseases. Brushing technique has to be taught more tactfully and-elaborately so as to further minimize DMFT and to reduce periodontal problems